A recent targeted control operation in Antwerp revealed that over half of the taxis inspected were not up to standard, according to the city’s traffic police.
The operation involved undercover test rides from busy taxi stands and found more than one in two taxis in violation. Checks were carried out during the last two weekends of July by the department responsible for supervising goods and passenger transport, with support from other local police zones and the federal road police.
Out of 51 taxis inspected, 27 were found to be in breach of regulations. The police recorded 35 breaches of taxi legislation and 26 traffic violations. Four vehicles were seized, and one was immobilised. Four drivers had their licences immediately revoked for two weeks.
Notably, during one undercover ride, a taxi driver was observed using his phone while driving, according to the traffic police. In several instances, the meter was not activated. Some test rides also revealed that vehicles were rented illegally to third parties or lacked the required equipment.
