Almost 700 cases of people using their private cars as taxis for paying customers were discovered by police in Abu Dhabi in a crackdown over the past three months.
The 659 illegal passenger transfer offences were registered during an inspection campaign that was carried out by the Transportation Infrastructure Security department at Abu Dhabi Police in the third quarter of this year.
Brigadier Ibrahim Al Zaabi, head of the department, said that illegally transporting passengers for profit is uncivilised and it has social, economic and security consequences.
“This act can also affect the safety of the passengers due to the lack of safety and security means in such vehicles, as well as the lack of comprehensive car insurance and licence to practice this profession,” said Brigadier Al Zaabi.
“The driver may not have a driving licence issued by the UAE and may be contrary to the country’s residency laws.”
He said that police crackdowns have had a significant impact on this illegal trade and he urged the public to avoid using illegal transport services, instead using licensed modes of transport such as bus and taxi, which operate in line with international safety standards.
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