Gulf News

Abu Dhabi, Jun 10: The Traffic and Patrols Department of Abu Dhabi Police has issued 2,681 fines to cabbies in the first four months of this year in an intensified campaign following complaints from residents.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Ahmad Al Sheihi, Head of Capital Traffic Patrols Section, the campaign was carried out from January to April.

"The majority of the fines were issued for wrong parking, dropping and picking up passengers at undesignated areas, sudden stop on seeing passengers and hindering the flow of traffic. These types of fines were 1,726. All these 2,681 fines were issued in the city alone," Al Sheihi said.

The official further added officers also issued 422 fines for non-display of boards giving details of taxis and their drivers for passengers to report uncomfortable experiences.

"It is necessary for all the taxis to have these small boards on display for both front and back seat passengers so they can report to police any problem they face with these drivers," Al Sheihi added.

He added 228 fines were issued for wrong dropping and picking up of passengers alone, while 350 fines were issued for not having taxi permits and another 135 issued for expired permits.

Nine cabbies were fined for not carrying their driving licences, he added.