The Lanzarote Council has launched two sanction proceedings against drivers of unlicensed taxis operating in the area, specifically for providing unauthorised public transport services.
The incidents occurred in the early hours of August 6 near the La Marina shopping centre in Arrecife, coinciding with a busy night for leisure activities. National Police officers observed the vehicles repeatedly collecting passengers and transporting them to various locations around the city.
During the operation, officers discovered three mobile phones and an electronic payment device. One phone revealed a messaging group named “Uber,” which serves as further evidence. The charges are primarily based on the officers’ observations and passenger accounts regarding how they requested their rides.
As a result of these actions, the council has proposed fines of €4,001 for each vehicle, totalling €8,002. Miguel Ángel Jiménez, the Council’s Transport and Mobility Minister, stated that these actions constitute a serious violation of Canary Islands transport regulations, as the drivers allegedly provided public transport without the necessary permits.
Jiménez emphasised the need for vigilant enforcement of regulations as new methods of passenger capture emerge. “We’re witnessing a form of illicit competition adapting quickly to new communication channels,” he said. He stressed that licensed transport providers are subject to necessary regulations and that unfair competition must be addressed.
He also urged users to ensure they are hiring legally authorised transport services. “When booking transport through a phone number or social media, it’s crucial to know who is providing the service and whether they have the required authorisation,” he added.
The police surveillance that led to the sanctions highlighted the need for ongoing collaboration between law enforcement agencies to identify discreet operations that can easily utilise digital platforms to connect with customers.
The council will continue monitoring these practices and advises residents and visitors to utilise only authorised transport services, contributing to a safer and more regulated mobility system for all users.
