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Illegal car lifts thrive

SHARJAH - Despite the Federal Traffic law banning use of private and rented vehicles for business and passenger transportation, the phenomenon of car lift continues to thrive on Sharjah roads.

Drivers of private and rented cars can be seen waiting near shopping malls and centres as well as places frequented by Asian expats offering to take passengers at rates lower than the metered taxi.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Ibrahim, a car-lift driver who also works in a government department, said he has been transporting passengers for amounts less than the taxi charges, which was why many people preferred to take his offer. "I am doing this despite knowing that it is illegal because my apartment rent has been increased by 40 per cent, and I have to take care of the educational and medical needs of my four children. My salary is not sufficient to cover all these expenses," he said.

Mohan Rakesh, a former taxi driver who now ferries passengers, said his taxi was taken over as part of the fleet of Sharjah Transport Corporation, which refused to hire him as a driver. "I can't afford to stay idle and I need the money to survive till I find a job or arrange for a ticket to go back home," he said.

Ali Khan, another car-lift driver, said he came to the country two years ago and couldn't find a job. He had paid over Dh7,000 to buy the residency visa which will expire after one year. He rented a car from a car rental agency in Sharjah and uses it to transport passengers to make a living till he finds a job.

After the issue was brought to the notice of Sharjah Police, the Sharjah Traffic and Licensing Department organised a two-day campaign last week to curb this illegal practice. During the campaign, more than 200 private and rented vehicles which were used for transporting passengers were confiscated by the police.

Brigadier Rashid Gareeb Mahmoud, Director General of the Department, said the campaign was aimed at enforcing the law and implement regulations pertaining to public transportation to maintain security in the emirate.

He pointed out that there was a national foundation working for providing transportation services to the public and the duty of the police was to protect its rights by fighting this phenomenon and penalise violators of the law. "This illegal practice also contributes to traffic congestion and affects the security in the emirate," he said.

Brig. Mahmoud also pointed out that in the event of these cars being involved in an accident, both the driver and the passengers will not be able to claim insurance since the car is not licensed for public transportation.

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