Police in Ibiza have intercepted a driver suspected of providing passenger transport without the required authorisation after officers observed a vehicle repeatedly stopping and parking at different points along Avenida Pere Matutes Noguera during the early hours of September 24.

The Ibiza Local Police identified the driver and carried out checks after noticing a passenger in the rear of the vehicle and behaviour that raised concerns that an unauthorised passenger transport service could be taking place.

Passengers Reported Paying €20 Each

During the intervention, the driver told officers that he was transporting several people. The passengers, however, told police that they were paying €20 per person for each journey.

One of the passengers also reportedly told officers that they regularly used the driver's services.

Following the statements and checks, police submitted a proposed sanction for unauthorised passenger transport activity. The potential fine could reach €15,000 under the applicable transport regulations, although this should not be presented as a €15,000 fine already imposed.

The vehicle was also removed to the municipal depot and immobilised.

Driving Licence Being Checked

Police also identified indications that raised doubts about the authenticity of the driving licence presented by the driver.

An official verification report was therefore drawn up and the relevant checks have been initiated. At this stage, the licence issue should be described as a matter under verification rather than as an established offence.

Part of Ongoing Controls Against Illegal Passenger Transport

The operation forms part of ongoing Local Police controls targeting unauthorised passenger transport in Ibiza.

Under Balearic transport legislation, providing public discretionary passenger transport without the required authorisation is classified as a very serious infringement in the circumstances covered by the law. The legislation also provides for the immediate immobilisation of a vehicle when such unauthorised transport is detected.

The latest intervention comes after several recent actions in Ibiza involving vehicles allegedly operating without the necessary authorisation, including cases that have resulted in proposed or imposed sanctions and vehicle immobilisations.