A 70-year-old man was charged with driving a pirate taxi in Aalborg last weekend. The police who caught him red-handed do not believe it is the first time.
In Aalborg, a 70-year-old man was charged by the police last weekend. The police believe that the old man was shortchanging pirate taxis.
The man was arrested in connection with a police check on nightlife. The charge comes on the basis of information that the police are continuously receiving from citizens regarding pirate taxi activity in the area.
This is what the North Jutland Police writes in a press release .
Investigations from the police district indicate that the man probably has a short pirate taxi over a longer period of time.
The consequence of violating the taxi law is significant, and the 70-year-old can expect a substantial fine.
It is not illegal to drive a pirate taxi
– At the police, we are happy when citizens contact us about their knowledge of pirate taxis. We respond to this on an ongoing basis, and this weekend was no exception. The challenge is to catch them red-handed – but we succeeded in this case.
– We have seized some IT equipment in this connection, which will now be searched and we will investigate further to determine the extent of the illegal taxi business.
"This case could result in major traffic jams, the exact extent of which we do not yet know," says Acting Police Commissioner Hjalte Heldbo Reines, Head of Traffic Operations at the North Jutland Police.
Although a cheap ride from the city may seem attractive, police warn of the potential risks associated with pirate taxi rides.
Hjalte Heldbo Reines highlights that there are examples of passengers in pirate taxis being subjected to credit card theft and other criminal acts.
In addition, there are a number of safety factors that distinguish an authorized taxi from a pirate taxi:
- Authorized taxi drivers have completed first aid courses and received additional driving instruction.
- Authorized taxis are equipped with camera surveillance and a fixed taximeter.
- Authorized taxis are approved by inspection and have insurance that covers in the event of an accident.
To identify an authorized taxi, you can pay attention to the following:
- The first two digits of an authorized taxi are typically 98 or 99 (electric cars may have other numbers.)
- Authorized taxis have a logo on the car and the driver's clothing.
- There is a taximeter in the car.
Although it is illegal to drive a pirate taxi, a citizen cannot be punished for riding in such a car.
