A PRIVATE hire taxi driver has been convicted following an undercover sting operation outside a Manchester United match at Old Trafford.

Driver, Gurjit Singh, 40, of Kelvin Grove, Cheetham Hill, was caught picking up non pre-booked fares outside the stadium after a game – contravening his license.

He pleaded guilty to two charges relating to picking up a fare without a booking, and driving without insurance, at Sale Magistrates Court on January 23.

He was fined £400 for each offence and ordered to pay £160 towards costs and a victim surcharge of £40. He was also given six points on his licence.

The case arose from checks conducted outside Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground after their game against Crystal Palace on November 8, 2014.

Officers from Trafford Council, posing as customers, approached Mr Singh’s vehicle, which was parked in Chester Road.

After confirming he was free to take a fare, Mr Singh confirmed a price of £15 to go to Piccadilly Railway Station.

The operation was one of a series being mounted this season in response to previous allegations about widespread abuse of legal controls.

Trafford Council’s executive member for environment and operations, councillor John Reilly, said:

“I welcome this decision of the court, which endorses the strong stance the council takes on this issue.

“The law is clear on the difference between a Hackney Carriage, which can be hailed in the street, and a private hire vehicle, which must be pre-booked.

“By picking up customers in this way, any private hire drivers invalidate their insurance, putting customers at risk.”