Increased Surveillance
The Sant Josep Local Police has been relentless in its pursuit of illegal taxi operators, having already intercepted 21 ‘pirate’ taxis so far this season. Thanks to strategically installed cameras at the Ibiza airport, nine of these unauthorized taxis were successfully identified and stopped.
Striking a Blow to Unfair Competition
Taking to their social media accounts, the police force highlighted their recent success in sanctioning four vehicle drivers engaged in transporting illegal passengers. They emphasized that these unauthorized taxis operate without proper authorization, security, and without contributing to public services like education, health, and security, which legitimate tax-paying operators support.
Protecting Consumers and Upholding Rights
The victims of these illegal services are often elderly clients whose rights are severely affected, complicating any claims for damage, loss, or injuries they may suffer. Such unregulated practices pose significant risks to passengers, and the crackdown on pirate taxis aims to safeguard consumers.
Deterrence Through Surveillance
In their bid to tackle the problem of pirate taxis, the Sant Josep Local Police implemented license plate reading cameras at the airport, which commenced operation on June 10. This enhanced video surveillance system allows the police to identify suspected vehicles involved in illegal passenger transportation, making interception and reporting more efficient.
Decline in Illegal Activity
The efforts of the Local Police have yielded positive results, with a decrease in illegal taxi activity reported in the Es Codolar area. However, the authorities have noticed a shift in the illegal operations to more prominent beaches in the town, particularly during the first and last minutes of the day.
Consequences for Offenders
When intercepting a pirate taxi, the City Council takes swift action. Initially, the offender’s vehicle is confiscated, and a fine of at least 6,000 euros is imposed. Additionally, authorities investigate other potential administrative offenses or crimes, such as driving without insurance or evading mandatory inspections.
The Case of the ‘Black Pearl’
In a noteworthy operation last year, the Sant Josep Local Police exposed a particularly active pirate taxi driver at Ibiza airport who had accessed the premises up to 72 times in a single month. The driver, known as the ‘Black Pearl,’ was successfully identified and apprehended through the license plate reading system and cooperation within the taxi sector. The operation targeted the driver’s busiest hours, leading to his interception and subsequent legal action.
The continuous efforts by the Sant Josep Local Police to combat pirate taxis demonstrate their commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of public transportation services in Ibiza.
