Scooter taxi service ordered to close

The Palma city council has ordered the company Moto Taxi (a new messenger and transport service by scooter) to close down because it does not have the necessary municipal licences for installation, opening or operating. The council communicated its decision to the company yesterday afternoon. The company's activities had been criticised by the local cabbies' association, who said that it was illegal. The decree signed yesterday by Mayor Joan Fageda says that the municipal licences are essential before a business in the “classified activities” department can open. The company requested the licences on July 13, but on July 31, a technical report was issued which indicated that the proposed service was “not allowed under the municipal bylaws.” In addition to ordering the immediate closure of the business, the decree says that failure to comply will lead to the police closing the premises. The company has a fleet of 23 scooters and in addition to carrying passengers (250 ptas on the meter, 100 ptas per kilometre) carried parcels. It is a pioneer activity in Spain.