Tougher penalties for cheating taxi drivers
The Development Ministry has revised some of the penalties envisaged for taxi drivers who have tampered with their meters in a bid to increase their takings.
As of last Monday, drivers caught for a second time within five years will be liable to a fine of 10,000 euros and have their professional driving license revoked.
They were previously liable to a permanent revocation of their taxi license – but not the professional driving license – if they were caught for a second time within two years. Both licenses will now be revoked permanently if a driver is caught for a third time within five years.
Those found to have supplied or installed rigged taxi meters are also liable to fines of up to 20,000 euros, in which case the driver will be issued with an initial fine of 500 euros.
However if a device has been fitted to the meter to alter its readings, then the driver will be fined 5,000 euros.
Police in Athens booked 11 cases of tampered taxi meters or cash registers in just two days at the end of July.
