Granadilla Police Crack Down on Illegal Taxis at Tenerife South Airport

Granadilla de Abona's local police, working with the Canarian Police, have started a special campaign. They're targeting illegal taxi services near Tenerife South Airport, a major gateway for tourists. The main goal is to find and stop "pirate taxis" – vehicles offering rides without the proper licenses or following the rules.

This effort is part of a bigger plan to ensure safe, legal, and good-quality transport for both visitors to southern Tenerife and local residents. The Granadilla City Council stresses that these illegal services aren't just unfair to licensed taxi drivers; they also put passengers at risk. "Pirate taxis" don't have the same technical, administrative, and safety checks that regular, regulated taxis must pass.

Candelaria Rodríguez, the Granadilla City Council's Security Councillor, said the campaign aims to "stop those operating outside the law and make sure taxi services are safe and legal." Ms. Rodríguez highlighted that illegal taxi operations directly hurt licensed drivers financially. They also destabilize a sector that provides jobs and damage the island's reputation as a tourist spot, especially at a key location like the airport.

Nieves Lady Barreto, the Canary Islands Government's Minister for Presidency, Public Administrations, Justice and Security, also spoke. She emphasized how important it is for different government bodies and police forces to work together on this issue. She explained that "tackling illegal transport is a top priority, especially at vital locations like airports, where passenger safety and service quality are extremely important."

Checks will continue regularly at Tenerife South Airport and other key spots in the municipality where more illegal activity has been found. This isn't a one-off effort; it's part of a long-term plan to get rid of illegal practices, strengthen legal services, and build a strong, regulated taxi sector. This sector is vital for transport and the economy in southern Tenerife, according to a local government press release.

Last July, the local police stepped up inspections at Tenerife South Airport. They were looking for various illegal transport services, including private car rentals without licenses, improper use of campervans, and unauthorized individuals working as taxis or other transport providers.