Hong Kong lawmaker urges tougher penalties for cross-border illegal taxis
Hong Kong transport lawmaker Lam Ming-fung calls for heavier penalties and stronger enforcement against unlicensed cross-border passenger vehicles, citing safety risks and harm to legitimate coach operators.
Hong Kong police have recently stepped up enforcement against unlicensed cross-border passenger vehicles, including undercover operations. In a legislative council meeting, transport sector lawmaker Lam Ming-fung raised concerns about the issue during a question on the sustainable development of non-franchised buses.
Lam said the unlicensed cross-border vehicles, often called “white plate” cars, pose safety risks to passengers and damage the interests of legitimate cross-border coach operators. He noted that these illegal operators are not subject to regulatory oversight, allowing them to keep costs low and attract passengers with cheaper fares.
In an interview with RTHK’s programme “Yat Cheng Sei Fong”, Lam said authorities have recently observed a proliferation of such vehicles and have strengthened enforcement. He expressed hope that the government would continue rigorous enforcement and consider increasing penalties for unlicensed cross-border passenger services to enhance deterrence.
Lam also urged the government to communicate with mainland Chinese authorities to explore ways to remove online advertisements that solicit cross-border passenger business on mainland-based platforms.