The council has told drivers of private hire vehicles (PHVs) not to pick up passengers without a booking after two of them were convicted of the offence.

Mohammad Bashir and Sharam Bahram were caught out by an undercover operation at the time of the Harry Styles concert at Old Trafford last year.

Bashir, of Belgrave Street, Nelson, Lancashire, was convicted of uninsured driving and unlicensed plying for trade. He offered to take undercover officers posing as customers to Manchester.

Bahram, of Cornbrook Court, Old Trafford, was convicted of uninsured driving and unlicensed plying for trade. He offered to take undercover officers posing as customers to Altrincham.

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At Manchester Magistrates Court last month, Bashir was ordered to pay a total of more than £800 in a fine and court costs. He received eight points on his driving licence.

Bahram was ordered to pay a total of more than £1500 in a fine and court costs. He received eight points on his driving licence.

In response Rose Thompson, the council’s executive member for communities and safety, said: "Trafford Council will continue to take action against those who flout laws which are there to protect public safety and in doing this to support those who trade legitimately. 

"Within the Trafford area only licensed hackney carriages can be hailed on the street without a booking. By making illegal pick-ups in this way, private hire drivers invalidate their insurance, put customers at risk and face prosecution and possible loss of their licence."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.