Legislative proposal submitted to combat illegal taxi operations in Cyprus

Alekos Tryfonidis, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Transport, has introduced an urgent legislative proposal aimed at curbing illegal taxi operations in Cyprus. The bill follows extensive consultations with the Minister of Transport, the Chair of the Licensing Authority, and professional taxi driver organizations. Key provisions of the proposed legislation include significant increases in monetary fines for offenders. Furthermore, the bill introduces the suspension of professional and personal driving licenses for those caught operating illegally. It also mandates the potential seizure or immobilization of vehicles used in unauthorized taxi services. Tryfonidis expressed optimism that the parliamentary plenary session will approve the bill in the near future. The initiative seeks to protect professional taxi drivers from unfair competition and stabilize the transport sector. Additionally, the Ministry of Transport and the Licensing Authority are expected to evaluate future needs to supplement these measures.