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Crackdown on illegal taxis nets 4,440 violators

DUBAI — The Dubai Transport Corporation’s (DTC) quality control inspectors reported a total of 4,440 violations with regard to use of illegal ‘taxis’ from March till November 2004.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Ammar bin Tamim, Director of Administration and Marketing Affairs, DTC said such violations had increased from the period between August to October.

“During this time, there is a boom in tourism and a number of exhibitions are also held in the city, so the illegal practice of ‘smuggled’ transportation also increases,” said Tamim.

He said that out of the 4,440 violations, 238 were repeated violations, while 2,817 had already been referred to the Dubai Police and Traffic Court. In October alone, there were nearly 765 violation, he added.

The corporation’s ruling essentially bans the illegal practice of carrying passengers by unlicensed vehicles for a nominal fee. It guarantees the safety and security of passengers in the emirates as they are assured of quality services from the corporation and the three franchise companies, which include Metro, Cars and National Taxi.

He also said that the crackdown against unlicensed vehicles were carried out at main locations including Deira Bus Station, Bur Dubai Bus Station, small bus stations at Salahuddin Road, Karama and Satwa where Dubai Transport Corporation buses operate from, and in Dubai Airport's terminals 1 and 2.

“The violators were issued tickets, and were referred to the nearest police station where they could pay the fine of Dh2, 500 for the first offence. Our quality control inspectors found out that these violators used rent-a-car vehicles and operated these as taxis, or they had their own pick-ups and transport passengers for a certain amount,” he said.

The issuance of tickets is supported by Dubai Police Traffic Department.

“For payment of the fine, the violators have to report to the nearest police station. If the violation was done in Al Ghusais, the violation is referred to the Al Ghusais police station. If the violation was done in Karama, it will be referred to the Bur Dubai police station. DTC does not collect money for the fines. The fines are being paid in the police stations,” he stressed.

He said those issued tickets and refuse to pay the fine would have to go to the Dubai courts for the necessary action.