Illegal taxi drivers caught during carnival in Den Bosch from now on risk a fine of 700 euros per ride. Until now it was difficult for the police and the judiciary to take action against taxi drivers without Bossche permit. The municipal council of Den Bosch has decided to adjust the rules, making it possible now.
For years in Den Bosch during busy events, such as carnival, illegal taxis. These drivers work without a Bossche permit and thereby compete with the taxi drivers, who do meet all the requirements for Den Bosch. According to the municipality, the call for enforcement is large among the legal drivers.
However, the police and the judiciary could hardly do anything about this in recent years. The Public Prosecution Service (OM) concluded that offering illegal taxi rides was not punishable in the municipal regulation. As a result, they could only be tackled by the municipality through a warning or penalty.
Unanimous
The municipal council of Den Bosch unanimously agreed to adjust the rules on Tuesday evening. As a result, the police can act immediately against illegal drivers. Taxi drivers caught during carnival can be fined 700 euros. If they go wrong several times, they can get several fines.
Because there is now an unlimited penalty option per violation, the municipality hopes to make it less attractive financially to offer illegal taxi rides in this way.
Risk
Previously, taxi drivers without a Bossche permit could only be tackled through a national measure. The municipality was allowed to impose a penalty of ten thousand euros, but they only have to pay illegal drivers if they are caught again within a year. Because many drivers only ride with large events such as carnival and the eleventh of the eleventh, many took that risk.