Six illegal ride-hailing drivers fined more than $13K in one day, says Richmond RCMP
Recent sting operation found one driver without a licence, say RCMP
Mounties in Richmond, B.C., say a crackdown on illegal ride-hailing operators in the city has resulted in more than $13,000 in fines being issued to six drivers in one day.
RCMP say officers have been working with the transport ministry to combat illegal ride-hailing operators who "pose a significant risk" to public safety.
Police and transport officers used illegal apps to book rides in the Feb. 8 sting operation.
One operator who didn't have a driver's licence was fined $6,900, while others were fined for failing to display certificates, having the wrong class of driver's licence or operating without a business licence.
Police say the vehicles were towed and stored with the fees charged to the drivers, and three of those fined were repeat offenders.
Staff Sgt. Paula Maan with Richmond RCMP says people using illegal ride-hailing services are putting themselves at risk since neither the drivers nor their vehicles are guaranteed to abide by the province's mandatory safety regulations.
Mounties say that last year they conducted eight ride-hailing stings, leading to more than $79,000 in fines against 35 drivers.