Nicosia, Cyprus. Parliament unanimously approved stricter penalties on Thursday targeting so-called “pirate taxis” operating illegally. The amendments increase criminal and administrative sanctions for drivers operating without required permits.
New sanctions from first offence
The amendment to regulations on taxi drivers allows authorities to impose penalties from the first offence, including suspension of a category B driving licence and the vehicle’s registration licence. It also enables confiscation or immobilisation of vehicles.
Expanded enforcement powers
The changes grant the licensing authority the power to file criminal cases before a court and remove the previous requirement for repeat violations before administrative sanctions are applied.
Fines to remain until paid
Under the new provisions, penalties will remain in force until fines are paid, replacing earlier provisions that applied for a fixed three-month period.
Parliament discussion and further reforms
At parliament, drivers delivered a memorandum to transport committee chairman Alekos Tryfonidis, who said the issue had been under review and that further reforms were expected. He said unpaid fines were limiting the effectiveness of enforcement, stating that “even if fines increase, they pile up and no one pays, with the result that these illegal taxi drivers actually increase”.
Tryfonidis, who proposed the legislation, said the aim was to address a phenomenon that has reached “alarming proportions”, adding, “we cannot turn a blind eye”. He said the proposal followed consultations with authorities and professional groups and sought to balance enforcement with legal considerations.
MPs across parties supported the measure while raising concerns about implementation.
How do you think the new penalties will affect enforcement against illegal “pirate taxis”?