The Jeddah Transport Department has impounded over 350 taxis because their drivers violated various traffic regulations.

Capt. Majid Hassan, director of the department, said 300 drivers were caught and fined in front of the Juffali Mosque.

“More than eight inspectors of the transport department and nine patrols participated in the raid. It was a well-planned operation with each of the traffic lanes covered by members of the inspection teams,” said Hassan.

He said the department impounded 100 taxis because they were pre-2007 models, which is not allowed under the law. “We also seized 80 vehicles because the drivers violated labor laws by working for people other than their original sponsors,” he said.

“The campaigns will continue throughout the year. We will implement the rules and regulations of the transport department,” he said.

He said drivers have to comply with the law. “If these controls and regulations are violated by the renting company or the workers, they will have to pay fines immediately,” Hassan said.

He said those who were fined and their vehicles confiscated did not have employment cards in their possession. “They are of different nationalities.”

“The inspection campaign started around 7 p.m. and lasted until midnight. It is considered the largest inspection campaign of its kind on taxis,” he said.

Drivers without employment cards were fined SR500. “The inspection teams were firm toward owners of outdated vehicles, since the transport department had given directions that public transport vehicles should not have been registered prior to 2007.”

Hassan said drivers were fined SR5,000 riyals for breaking this law.