WORLDWIDE TAXI FOCUS from Italy


BATTLE ON ROME’S COBBLES AS CABBIES FIGHT GOLF-CART BOOM


A rapid surge in tourist golf carts operating across the cobbled streets of Rome has triggered a bitter turf war in the Italian capital. Rental companies champion the quiet, EVs as an eco-friendly and low-emission way to carry visitors to iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, and Trevi Fountain. However, critics argue the carts cause traffic congestion, park illegally, and function within a regulatory grey area. High stakes are involved, with a four-hour driven tour in an eight-seater golf cart fetching up to €1,000 (£850). Hostility frequently escalates into direct road confrontation, leading drivers on both sides to swap aggressive gestures. Cab drivers insist the open-sided carts present severe safety hazards for passengers. Golf-cart operators firmly reject claims that their services are unsafe, while pointing the finger back at angry and aggressive cabbies.


from Gran Canaria


GRAN CANARIA TAXIS FITTED WITH PANIC BUTTONS CONNECTED TO POLICE


A new security system being developed in Gran Canaria will allow taxi panic buttons to connect directly with local police control rooms, giving officers live access to images and sound from inside vehicles during an emergency. The governing body of the island - the Gran Canaria Cabildo - is progressing with the system following a meeting involving taxi cooperatives and local police forces. When a driver activates the emergency button, officers will be able to see and hear what is happening inside the taxi in real time, allowing them to assess the situation and determine the appropriate response. The system will


PHTM NOVEMBER 2026


also allow police control rooms to communicate directly with the interior of the taxi, so officers can respond during potentially dangerous incidents. The project builds on the installation of security cameras in taxis across Gran Canaria. So far, 1,160 taxis have been fitted with surveillance cameras through financial support provided by the Cabildo and administered through taxi cooperatives. The recordings are already regularly requested by police forces and courts when investigating possible crimes, with approximately two requests being made every day. The new panic-button connection will take the system a significant step further by allowing police to access information as an incident is actually happening rather than relying solely on recorded footage afterwards. The Cabildo is also preparing another funding programme worth almost €500,000 to extend security equipment to more taxis. The proposed subsidy will provide €450 per municipal taxi licence, with taxi cooperatives responsible for applying for the funding and distributing it among drivers.


from Hungary


CABBIE CLINGS TO BONNET FOR OVER 100M FOLLOWING BUDAPEST CRASH


A minor traffic dispute on a road in Budapest turned into a chaotic scene after a female motorist drove for more than 100 metres with a taxi driver clinging to the bonnet of her vehicle. The incident began when the woman’s car reportedly collided with the rear of the taxi. Although both drivers initially pulled over to discuss the crash, they were unable to reach an agreement, leading the woman to get back into her vehicle and drive off. As the car began moving, the cabbie grabbed onto the bonnet to try and stop her. Police confirmed the driver then travelled at around 30 km/h with the man hanging on. An astonished onlooker who filmed the incident remarked, “I thought it was a film shoot!” Following the confrontation, the cabbie complained of pain in his hand and leg. He was taken to hospital for a medical examination.


79


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82