Rogue HK cabbies to face tougher penalties

These include longer jail time, bigger fines as govt attempts to boost industry's poor image

Taxis waiting for passengers in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. The heavier penalties, which will undergo discussion, are on top of a proposal for a demerit point system covering 11 of 24 existing road traffic offences.
Taxis waiting for passengers in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. The heavier penalties, which will undergo discussion, are on top of a proposal for a demerit point system covering 11 of 24 existing road traffic offences. PHOTO: SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
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Tougher penalties, including longer jail time and bigger fines, are in store for Hong Kong taxi drivers who repeatedly breach the rules, such as by overcharging passengers, refusing hire and tampering with taxi meters.

The government is trying to improve the poor reputation of cabbies and, in a paper published on the Legislative Council website, said it would hold talks next Wednesday to discuss the tougher penalties.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 20, 2018, with the headline Rogue HK cabbies to face tougher penalties. Subscribe