Hundreds of illegal taxis have been seized in Abu Dhabi as part of a crackdown on unlicensed activities. The Abu Dhabi Police said on Sunday that they have registered 659 cases of privately owned cars that were being used as illegal taxis in the past three months.

Authorities said legal action will be taken against the owners. The police have urged passengers to not opt for illegal taxi services.

Brigadier Ibrahim Sultan Al Zaabi, director of the transport security department, said: "Illegal taxi operation is uncivilised and has serious effects on the health and safety of users of such anonymous and unlicensed vehicles.

"Some of the drivers of these illegal taxis may not be having licences issued by the UAE authorities and others may be staying in the country illegally."

The police have called on all community members to help the bodies concerned "to eliminate this dangerous phenomenon by immediately reporting whoever indulges in it".

Source: Khaleej Times