758 drivers fined for turning private cars into taxis in Sharjah

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758 drivers fined for turning private cars into taxis in Sharjah

Sharjah - Last year, 601 motorists were fined for the same violation over the same period.

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Published: Wed 30 May 2018, 5:48 PM

Last updated: Wed 30 May 2018, 11:31 PM

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Sharjah has fined 758 motorists of different nationalities, mostly Asians, for illegally turning their private vehicles into taxis in the first three months of the year.

Last year, 601 motorists were fined for the same violation over the same period, said Sheikh Saqr bin Sultan Al Qasimi, director of the franchise and transport licence.

"RTA Sharjah spares no effort to ensure public safety and curb illegal taxi services. It has launched three inspection campaigns in January, February and March this year," he added. These covered most of the areas of Sharjah city and central region of the emirate, which were closely monitored by 20 inspectors who managed to nab 758 illegal taxi drivers, he pointed out.

More inspectors will be deployed at hot spots like labour camps, markets, and industrial areas, he stated.

"A hefty fine of Dh5,000 will be slapped on erring driver first time," he warned. "The fine shall be doubled to Dh10,000 in case of repetition, while the violation reported in the driver's absentia shall draw a fine of Dh10,000."

Campaigns against cabbies

RTA Sharjah ran four inspection campaigns against licensed cabbies all over Sharjah city in cooperation with the cab franchise companies, he pointed out.

"Up to 2,291 fines have been issued against erring drivers in the first quarter of the year," he said. "Those are compared to 1,964 nabbed over the same period last year; representing a 16.6 per cent rise in the number of the violations recorded."

The 21 staff quality controllers are well trained to keep an eye on every nook and corner, and curb all violations, he underlined.

"The inspectors also make sure taxi service is available at critical areas, including the Sharjah International Airport, hospitals, shopping centres, malls, and event venues downtown."

Special attention is also given to densely populated areas, such as Al Rolla, Al Khalidia, Al Nahda, bus stops, National Square, industrial areas, hospitals and shopping centres, he said.

"A smart service has been launched to immediately alert about a violation to the erring driver via SMS on his registered phone number."

RTA Sharjah is keen to respond to customers' feedbacks and complaints. RTA Sharjah Call Centre is reachable 24/7 at (600525252) for feedbacks, enquiries, remarks and complaints.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com


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