Taxi driver malpractices surge by 180% in Q1

The number of traffic violations committed by taxi drivers in the first four months of 2025 has increased by nearly 180% compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the Public Security Police Force (PSP).

Between January and April, authorities recorded 837 infractions – a sharp rise from the 299 cases reported during the first quarter of 2024.

The dramatic increase seen in the initial four months of this year brings the total number of traffic infringements close to last year’s full-year figure of 870. The primary cause of this surge was the disregard for the order of arrival at taxi ranks.

“Not waiting in line for passengers at taxi stands” accounted for 541 violations in early 2025 – a staggering jump from just 78 cases in the same period last year.

Refusing a hire was the second most common infraction, with 177 cases reported, marking an 86% increase from 2024 (95).

Additionally, instances of overcharging fares rose by 138%, climbing to 19 cases this year from 8 in the same period in 2024. Despite the rise in violations, only 168 cases were referred to the Transport Bureau (DSAT).

CPSP data also revealed a modest 8.6% increase in general traffic law violations, with nearly 251,000 cases recorded so far this year compared to about 231,000 in the same period in 2024.

The police issued roughly MOP 66.1 million in fines so far this year, compared to MOP 63.5 million issued in the same period last year.

Notably, the total number of road accidents decreased from 5,005 to 4,762 during the same period.

Other significant trends include a 9.6% rise in illegal parking and a nearly 57% increase in cars blocked on public roads.

Meanwhile, motorcycle blockades fell by 7%, and cellphone use while driving dropped by 15%. Pedestrian crossing violations also decreased slightly by 5%.