Police from the New Territories South Traffic Unit launched a crackdown on "grey taxis" today (September 9) and baited an interception of a seven-seater vehicle, apprehending a 37-year-old mainland Chinese driver for allegedly soliciting a fare of 1,900 Hong Kong dollars to illegally transport passengers from Tsuen Wan to Zhuhai. The involved private vehicle was also seized for inspection. New Territories South Traffic Unit's Senior Inspector Li Shenghui detailed the operation's outcomes, stating that today, New Territories South Traffic Unit personnel proactively used online patrolling to discover someone soliciting passengers via online platforms, arranging luxury seven-seaters to travel through different border crossings to the mainland. Personnel then posed as passengers on these platforms, booking a ride from Tsuen Wan to Zhuhai, where the driver quoted 1,900 Hong Kong dollars. Thereafter, personnel climbed aboard a locally-registered vehicle with a cross-border license plate. The driver then revealed their identity and was arrested; he is suspected of "unlawful fare solicitation," "driving without third-party insurance," and "violation of stay conditions." The seven-seater vehicle, registered under a company name, may be rented. The case remains under investigation and more arrests are possible. Senior Inspector Li Shenghui said that in the fight against grey taxis, the police and relevant departments will strengthen law enforcement. Police will conduct intelligence-led operations through various channels to identify grey taxis; once sufficient evidence is gathered, they will take enforcement actions. According to Hong Kong's Road Traffic Ordinance (Chapter 374), unless the vehicle holds a valid taxi license, any person cannot use, drive, or allow others to drive or use the vehicle for hire or for fare solicitation. The first offense results in a 10,000 Hong Kong dollar fine and six months of imprisonment; the second offense carries a 25,000 Hong Kong dollar fine and 12 months of imprisonment. If the driver is convicted, they will lose their driving license for a minimum of 12 months to a maximum of three years. The involved vehicle will also have its license suspended temporarily. Should it be a mainland driver, the police will also investigate whether they are involved in other illegal activities, including illegal employment or violation of stay conditions. If sufficient evidence is available, the police will take legal actions accordingly. Police urge the public to use legal public transportation and avoid grey taxis, as they pose significant risks, including failure of third-party insurance in case of accidents.
Police and relevant departments will continue to enforce legal measures to combat grey taxis. Evidence gathered will lead to further enforcement actions, and penalties for drivers and vehicles involved. Grey taxis are subject to severe risks, and any accident involving grey taxis could affect passengers, drivers, and other road users. Authorities remind the public to exercise caution and choose legal transportation methods.
Senior Inspector Li Shenghui added that for cases involving breaches of closed road permits, the police will also pass on relevant information to the Transport Department. The department will revoke relevant permits based on the conditions specified in the closed road permits. For cases involving mainland drivers, the police will also investigate whether they are involved in illegal employment or other breaches of stay conditions. If there is sufficient evidence, the police will take legal actions accordingly. Police recommend public to choose legal transport options to ensure both safety and compliance with regulations.