Nearly 600 violations of the new Brussels taxi plan were registered since the Capital Region introduced the legislation last October. Most common was the lack of a certificate of professional competence or a trip sheet, figures from Brussels Mobility show.
The new taxi plan in Brussels came into effect on 21 October and checks to enforce it have since been carried out on several occasions by Brussels Mobility, the police and the National Social Security Office, Minister-President Rudi Vervoort stated.
"They also carried out focused checks, based on the complaints and information received," said Vervoort in answer to a written question from Brussels MP Jamal Ikazban. "The inspectors of Brussels Mobility regularly organise specific training in the police zones so that they are up to date with the new regulations."
Between 22 October and 27 February, the inspectors found 540 violations for vehicles with a Brussels authorisation, 28 for vehicles with a Flemish authorisation, 20 for vehicles with a Walloon one and seven for vehicles without authorisation.
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The new taxi plan means that a taxi without a Brussels authorisation can no longer provide services in the Capital Region, with the exception of journeys that start outside of Brussels and whose destination is also outside of Brussels.
While most violations are for not having a professional competence certificate, trip sheet or proof of medical fitness, they often also concern the vehicle itself. "For example, the vehicle shows traces of an accident or is more than seven years old," said Vervoort.
The Brussels Taxi Federation (BTF) showed little surprise about the high number of infringements, spokesperson Sam Bouchal told Bruzz. "I just note that since the old LVCs (those with a chauffeur licence driving for platforms such as Uber) changed their name and became regular taxis, the number of registered offences has exploded. The old LVCs were not used to respecting the rules."
