WORLDWIDE TAXI FOCUS from Mexico


POLICEMAN KILLED INTERVENING IN LYNCHING OF CABBIE KILLERS


A policeman has died in the Mexican city of Zacatelco after being beaten by residents enraged over the murder of a taxi driver. The officer reportedly intervened when locals set upon two men suspected of killing the taxi driver. Several other policemen were also injured by the mob of angry neighbours. Residents of Zacatelco have complained about crimes going unpunished. Four men had tried to rob an elderly taxi driver of his car, killing him when he resisted. Locals who had observed the incident gave chase and caught two of the four suspects, beating them in the local square. State police intervened and saved the suspects, but the group then turned on the officers, seizing two of them and attacking them. One was rescued by his colleagues and was treated for severe injuries. But the second one, a state police officer, was held for several hours, the local paper reported. He was finally freed after police reinforcements arrived, but later died of his injuries in hospital. Lynching is not uncommon in parts of Mexico where criminals are often not held accountable by police. Polls suggest violent crime and a lack of security are top concerns among Mexicans, with anger about the small number of successful prosecutions fuelling vigilante violence.


from Thailand


AUSTRALIAN TOURIST ASSAULTS TAXI DRIVER OVER SMOKING IN PHUKET


An Australian tourist, seemingly intoxicated, attacked a taxi driver, who told him not to smoke in the vehicle. The incident occurred last month about 30 meters away from Thalang Police Station in Phuket province. According to the taxi driver, he had picked up the tourist from Phuket International Airport and was en


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route to a hotel. When the tourist started smoking, he informed him that smoking was not allowed in the vehicle. The tourist then grabbed him by the neck. The driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to lurch forward and collide with a car in the front. The tourist has since agreed to compensate for the damage to both vehicles and has apologised. The taxi driver was taken to the hospital for a medical examination as part of the legal process. Police have filed charges against the tourist for “using violence against others” and have noted signs of alcohol intoxication during their investigation.


from Mallorca


BRITISH TOURISTS WARNED OVER £500 TAXI FINES ON SPANISH ISLAND


British tourists have been warned of a little-known rule on a popular holiday island which could land them a taxi fine of more than £500. The Foreign Office has urged Brits to ensure they use legal taxis in Mallorca or face being fined €600. Passengers found travelling in unlicensed taxis on the island are liable for fines, with the British Government urging holidaymakers to book cabs through licensed firms. It is thought there are many illegal services operating on the island and offering cheap prices, with tourists caught out as they do not realise they will be fined along with the driver and company. A Foreign Office statement read: “Only use official registered or licensed taxis, or reputable transport companies. Licensing regulations differ across Spain and in certain cities pre-booking is required. “Passengers caught using unlicensed taxi services are liable for fines of up to 600 Euros. Make sure you book your taxi or airport transfer through a licensed firm.” The law is in place across Spain, but the government is particularly warning those travelling to Mallorca where there is a high concentration of illegal firms. The companies are also known to target unsuspecting holidaymakers at airports.


MAY 2024 PHTM


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