Palma.The move was welcomed yesterday by licensed cab drivers across the Balearics who have seen their trade diminish in recent years due to less spending by tourists and illegal competition from unauthorised operators.
Not only will pirate taxi drivers be hit with a hefty fine but authorities will also be able to take offenders' cars off the road completely to prevent them from being used for unlawful business.
In specific terms, the Balearic government's new legislation means that using a vehicle for unlicensed taxi businesses and promoting its use to a fee paying public is strictly illegal.
Local Police in each municipality and the Guardia Civil's Traffic police will be responsible for taking any vehicle they know to be engaged in unlawful business off the road.
The Local Police will also have to set up the procedure for fining offenders with the appropriate amount before charges are brought before the General Traffic department for action.
Pirate taxis, claim the government, not only take business away from legal operators but they sully the image of the Balearic Islands and pose a threat to passengers in the event of accident or other irregularities due to their not having the correct insurance as a public transport business.
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