A warning has been issued to anyone travelling to Spain about “illegal” airport transfers and taxis.
Many holidaymakers use taxis or airport transfers once they land to get to their hotel and back again at the end of their trip. All taxis in Spain are required to be registered.
However a rising number of unlicensed taxis have popped up at busy airports like Malaga. Using an unofficial taxi service is illegal in Spain and could result in fines of up to 600 euros, or just over £500, for passengers caught riding in one.
Illegal transport companies operate mostly in the country’s holiday hotspots and often advertise themselves as legitimate businesses, which makes it difficult to tell which ones are safe to use. Their presence has prompted complaints from legitimate taxi drivers, with one company in Malaga complaining that around 40 ‘pirate’ vehicles have been detected at Malaga Airport, reports BirminghamLive.
The unlicensed taxi trade has reached such an extent they are now said to be operating with ‘scouts’ who target unwitting tourists. Guillermo Díaz, an experienced taxi driver, told Sur in English that unlicensed drivers often seek out travellers making longer journeys and have informers who warn them when police arrive.
He claimed that some unofficial drivers have shown to be ‘aggressive’ when confronted and called for more police inspections and security guards to be placed at the entrance to deter bogus taxi firms. Marbella, Estepona or Gibraltar are some of the destinations said to be targeted the most by unlicensed transport firms.
The UK Foreign Office has warned holidaymakers to only use licensed firms when booking a taxi or airport transfer. It says: “Only use official registered or licensed taxis, or reputable transport companies you recognise. Licensing regulations differ across Spain and in certain cities pre-booking is required.
“Passengers caught using unlicensed taxi services are liable for fines of up to 600 euros. Make sure you book your taxi or airport transfer through a licensed firm.”
If tourists are unsure if the taxi company is legitimate, they can ask the company to send a copy of their registration to verify their authenticity before booking. If a transfer company asks to meet you anywhere apart from the designated airport pick-up area outside the arrivals terminal, it’s likely they could be unregistered. Their vehicles will also not be insured for passenger liability cover.
