The taxi situation in Orihuela Costa is critical. The lack of licenses has caused long waits for customers at taxi ranks and, as a result of the desperation of many passengers this summer, there are many private drivers who, by illegal means, have taken advantage to offer their own services.
Professional taxi drivers warn of the massive proliferation of pirate taxis. Drivers who, whether with vans or private vehicles without any kind of distinctive marking, operate and cover services and trips outside the law.
“There have always been illegal taxis, but this summer the number has been alarming, and it is getting worse,” according to several professionals in the sector, who are sending out an SOS for the local police to increase their awareness of this irregular activity.
“They are seen mainly in Cabo Roig, next to the hospitality area, and also in Villamartín,” says Álex Gea, a taxi driver with extensive experience in Orihuela Costa. Videos circulating among the profession show how these illegal drivers picking up passengers and offering themselves, especially to foreign tourists, who get in without realising that they are not really taxis. “They are becoming more and more brazen, and we have already seen some who even offer their services at taxi ranks, right in front of us,” he complains.
David, another veteran taxi driver from the Orihuela coast says, “there are vans from car rental companies and tourist rental companies that provide services to the airport. There is also a Moroccan guy that we see every day picking people up and dropping them off from a van. There is even a British guy who advertises himself as a taxi with a sign on the door of his house,” he says indignantly.
“You can see them advertising on social networks, especially Facebook, where most of the trips are arranged”.
The problem goes beyond unfair competition. “These illegal drivers do not pay for the correct licenses, insurances or taxes”, says David, “which can end in misfortune,” as he warns about the danger of these services.
A spokesman from the Radio Taxi Association of Orihuela insists that greater police diligence is essential. “We know perfectly well the drivers who are operating illegally, in fact, the Local Police asked us to fill out a form and provide photos and videos, but at the moment we are not seeing any results. Without the help of the Police, our hands are tied. We are currently considering the opening of sanctions against “several” illegal drivers.
