Newsroom
Parliament unanimously approved stricter measures against illegal passenger transport last week, adopting an amendment aimed at tackling so-called “pirate taxis.”
The legislation, proposed by Nicosia MP Alekos Tryfonidis, targets drivers operating without the required licences. It introduces heavier penalties and stronger administrative actions, including the suspension of a Category B driving licence and the registration of the vehicle used in the offence.
Under the new rules, authorities no longer need to prove repeated violations before taking action. Penalties can be imposed from the first confirmed offence. Vehicles involved may also be detained or immobilised.
Another key change affects the duration of penalties. Instead of lasting a fixed three months, sanctions will now remain in place until any imposed fine is fully paid.
The amendment also gives the Licensing Authority the power to file criminal cases directly before the courts for offences covered under the law.
Lawmakers backing the bill said illegal taxi activity has expanded significantly in recent years, affecting licensed drivers, distorting competition and posing risks to passengers. Tryfonidis said the proposal followed consultations with the transport ministry, authorities and industry groups, and that legal and constitutional issues had been taken into account. He also stressed that the problem required immediate action.
During the debate, independent MP Kostis Efstathiou pointed to difficulties in proving offences, describing enforcement as a major challenge. He referred to practices in other countries, such as restricting access to airports for unauthorised drivers, as potential solutions. While expressing reservations about the proportionality of penalties, he said he would support the bill to send a clear signal against illegal activity.
Representatives from DISY said the problem is driven by strong demand, limited supply and weak enforcement. They argued that while the law will not fully resolve the issue, it could help reduce it, especially if combined with an increase in licensed taxis.
AKEL also backed the measure, describing illegal operations as widespread and warning of unfair competition and risks to both drivers and passengers, while noting concerns about the level of fines.
DIKO MPs expressed support as well, stating the amendment is a step in the right direction in efforts to curb illegal taxi services.
