Over 220 vehicles confiscated in Dubai for illegal passenger transport

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recently carried out a series of inspections targeting unlicensed passenger transport providers in various parts of the emirate.

More than 220 vehicles were seized during the crackdown, which focused on hotspots known for such illegal activities. As many as 90 cars were impounded from areas around Dubai Airports’ terminals 1, 2, and 3, while 49 vehicles were seized in Jebel Ali and another 86 from other locations, including Hatta.

The inspections were carried out in coordination with Dubai Police, Airport Security, Emirates Parking, and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.

The RTA said that the confiscated vehicles were towed to the impounding yard at Lehbab.

Saeed Al Balooshi, Director of Passenger Transport Activities Monitoring at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, said: “RTA in collaboration with Dubai Police launched an operation against unlicensed passenger transport operators across the emirate to curb ‘passenger smuggling’. The campaign is part of the plan to ensure the safety of passengers and discourage illegal transport operators.”

Similarly, RTA impounded 49 vehicles around Jebel Ali area which is also famous for illegal passenger transport as illegal taxi operators offer cheaper rides to low income workers in these areas.

He also advised people to refrain from using such illegal transport services as they may not be safe for them. He said the RTA teams conduct regular inspections across Dubai to curb such activities to ensure the safety of residents and tourists.