Over 200 taxi drivers cited under new demerit points regime since 2024

Since the Taxi Driver Offence Points System became operational in September 2024, 229 taxi drivers have been assigned demerit points for breaches of eleven service-quality offences. The most common violation, refusing a hire, was recorded in 125 instances and attracts the highest penalty of ten points. Drivers who accumulate 15 points or more face a three-month driving ban, a sanction applied to three individuals so far.

Between September 2024 and August this year, the Transport Department received close to 6,000 driver-related complaints, including 605 refusals to accept passengers. The department investigates each complaint, referring serious matters to law-enforcement agencies and issuing letters to taxi owners or drivers for explanation. Starting at the end of the year, all taxis must be fitted with a journey-recording system comprising dash cameras, in-vehicle recorders and GNSS units to deter misconduct and provide evidence in disputes.