The Local Police of Rome has launched significant operations to tackle irregularities and abuses among taxi drivers near the Castel Romano outlet, recently shedding light on the public transport sector’s unsettling practices.
Since the beginning of the year, the initiative has led to 1,500 inspections targeting both taxis and rental car services, documenting numerous instances of noncompliance and harassment directed at shoppers frequenting the outlet.
The driving force behind these inspections has been reports indicating various illegal activities among taxi operators. Specifically, the police noted refusal to provide service, arbitrary selection of customers, and the unlawful demand for fares without using taximeters. Such behavior underlined the monopoly exercised by certain taxi drivers, effectively preventing others from operating legitimately and even intimidating outsiders through organized patrols.
Following systematic checks, the Local Police identified several individuals involved in unlawful activities. Two vehicles were seized during the operations. One was registered for private use but was being used as a taxi, and the other was operated by a driver whose license had already been revoked.
Legal actions against these offenders included license suspensions and penalties for individuals and cooperating entities. For example, one taxi driver faced suspension for violating industry regulations. Another driver was charged with resisting public officials and failing to provide personal details when required. The corresponding cooperative employing him also faced severe financial penalties, including 3,000 euros for employing staff without valid contracts, which goes against regional legislation.
This proactive approach from the Local Police reflects not just isolated instances but is part of broader efforts to maintain order and legality within public transportation systems. The primary goal of these operations is not only to protect passengers and tourists but also to shield honest operators who adhere to regulations.
Data collected over the past months shows rigorous enforcement against such irregularities, with over 80 disciplinary reports filed and more than ten license suspensions instituted. The operational efforts are complemented by about 200 fines levied for different illicit practices across the affected sectors.
The Local Police continues to monitor and evaluate the state of public transportation, with hopes to see improvements and compliance with existing regulations. This commitment to vigilance aims at ensuring improved service delivery for the public, thereby retaining integrity within the industry.