ABU DHABI // Police warned residents about the dangers of using unlicensed taxis after 50 drivers were caught transporting passengers from Abu Dhabi airport.
The drivers, of Asian origin, were caught in an operation by Abu Dhabi Police’s CID and the General Directorate for Security and Ports Affairs.
The drivers were caught illegally ferrying passengers for a fee, according to Col Dr Rashid Bursheed, head of the CID.
Their vehicles were confiscated, while legal action will be taken against the drivers.
The move is in line with efforts to promote security in Abu Dhabi. Col Dr Bursheed urged the public not to use private taxis and to use only cabs licensed by the Government.
In November 2013, the Centre for Regulation of Transport by Hire Cars (TransAd) introduced a new fleet of luxury taxis that can carry up to seven people, but with higher starting fares, for passengers departing Abu Dhabi airport.
Flag fall increased from Dh3.50 to Dh25.
In Abu Dhabi, many people, mostly labourers, used illegal taxis because of the lower fares and their availability in remote areas.
The flourishing illegal taxi trade was tarnishing the image of the taxi industry and the emirate, Col Dr Bursheed said. Taxi drivers, he said, played a vital role in tourism and should project a positive image for the city.
Police would not be lenient and would clamp down on illegal cabbies, he said.
Last May, TransAd's general manager Mohammed Al Qamzi, warned illegal taxi operators that authorities would confiscate their vehicles and impose heavier fines.
The law imposes fines of between Dh5,000 and Dh10,000 or a 30-day jail term, or both, on offenders. But in recent rulings, illegal drivers have been fined and had their cars seized and auctioned, he said.
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