Taxi drivers without a permit from 's-Hertogenbosch risk a fine of 700 euros during this carnival period.
Den Bosch wants to use this to combat 'dangerous and chaotic situations' caused by illegal taxis, the Brabants Dagblad. According to Ismail Dayioglu, chairman of the street taxi industry in Den Bosch, at least a hundred drivers will be caught. "Finally, action is being taken against the unfair competition and unsafe situations that these illegal taxis cause," he told the newspaper.
During carnival, Den Bosch is a magnet for partygoers from all over the country. Tens of thousands of people stream into the city, which increases the pressure on taxi transport enormously. Illegal taxi drivers seize their chance and try to pick up customers in places where this is not allowed. The municipality sees this as a major problem. In a response to the Brabants Dagblad a spokesperson states that these drivers cause 'dangerous and chaotic situations in traffic'. By stopping in unauthorized places, they create traffic jams and endanger pedestrians and other road users.
To maintain order, Den Bosch has designated permanent taxi ranks on the Parade and the Stationsweg. According to the municipality, partygoers can safely get in at these locations and fair prices are monitored. "This way you can be sure that you have a reliable driver and are not being ripped off," the municipality said in Brabants DagbladCustomers can agree on a fixed price in advance or choose to have the ride run on the meter, so that costs remain transparent.
Dayioglu tells the newspaper that the street taxi industry has been pushing for stricter controls for a long time. According to him, legal taxi drivers pay thousands of euros for licenses and insurance, while illegal drivers operate without any form of supervision. "This is not only unfair, but it also endangers safety," he says. He hopes that the municipality will now continue to act consistently and not only enforce during carnival.
The fines of 700 euros can be imposed repeatedly on the same drivers, which means that persistent offenders can be fined multiple times. With this measure, the municipality hopes to significantly reduce illegal practices. Whether the approach has an effect will become clear after the carnival period.
