Han Ximin, Li Hao
POLICE and traffic authorities recorded 9,924 instances of electric bikes and motorbikes being used as taxis in just two weeks since the launch of a campaign against the practice Nov. 8.
In addition, the 25 teams in Longgang, Bao an, Guangming New Zone and Pingshan New Zone confiscated 147 vehicles including 30 buses and 90 private cars illegally involved in taxi services.
A total of 99 people who allegedly used their electric bikes as illegal taxis were detained for resisting arrest and obstructing police in their duty, the Shenzhen transport commission said yesterday.
In the latest incident on the night of Nov. 10, a suspected illegal taxi driver tried to escape after he was stopped by traffic police on Hongmiao Road 4 in Henggang, Longgang District.
When he was unable to escape, the driver made a phone call to summon dozens of men who attacked police and police vehicles.
Two officers were injured in the attack.
Nearby He ao Police Station sent a large number of officers to restore order.
The driver and another man, who claimed to be owner of the vehicle, were detained.
Police were either injured or had their papers snatched in another three incidents.
The monthlong campaign which started Nov. 8 targets illegal taxis operating near schools, supermarkets, hospitals, factories and village entrances in 25 subdistricts in Longgang and Bao an districts, Guangming and Pingshan new zones.
The transport commission will focus on unlicensed passenger and freight transport services, while traffic police concentrate on unlicensed electric bike taxis.
Illegal taxis have greatly affected the livelihoods of licensed taxi drivers in the four areas and have drawn widespread criticism.
To further clamp down on illegal taxi services, the commission will set up a database for offenders. The 25 subdistrict governments of the four districts will each establish an office to educate minor offenders.
