Fake taxis 'almost rooted out' in Shanghai: authorities
Fake taxis are confiscated and ready for destruction by law enforcement.
Only nine illegal taxis have been caught in Shanghai so far this year, significantly fewer than previous years, law enforcers with Shanghai's transportation commission said on Tuesday.
Fake taxis look like legitimate ones but sport unregistered plates. Drivers of such taxis have also been known to pass counterfeit bills, steal people's transportation cards and even take luggage from passengers.
City law enforcers say they caught 712 fake taxis in 2017. The following year, the number shrank to 342. In 2019, just 118 such taxis were uncovered. Now the problem is "almost rooted out" in Shanghai, say authorities.
Officials attribute this result to continued crackdowns on fake taxis. Using new technologies, such as traffic cameras, it's easier than ever to locate suspected fake taxis.
Over the years, punishments on fake taxis have also increased. Drivers are now fined 50,000 yuan (US$7,215) for first offenses, instead of 10,000 yuan previously. Those who use fake plates could face detention and even criminal charges for forging government documents.
Traffic law enforcers and police have also busted several illegal taxi businesses. Fake taxis caught in crackdowns are destroyed to prevent them from being used again.
A fake taxi is destroyed under orders from law enforcement.
