Review of Hong Kong regulations in a bid to halt illegal ride-hailing services to be carried out as police pledge to step up efforts to curb offenders

Hong Kong authorities are set to review regulations pertaining to online ride-hailing platforms such as Uber, with the aim of restricting these services to traditional taxis and vehicles with the necessary permits. This move is part of an effort to curb illegal activities in the industry.

The announcement was made by the Transport and Logistics Bureau following a meeting with representatives from the taxi industry. The representatives revealed that the police have pledged to intensify their efforts to combat unlicensed drivers who are accepting passengers for payment.

The review comes in the wake of a threatened strike by 1,000 taxi drivers, which was called off after the government promised to adopt a stricter stance on illegal ride-hailing services and increase the penalties for offenders. Dr Ryan Wong Cheuk-pong, chairman of the Hong Kong Taxi Council, expressed his hope that the public and those operating illegal vehicles would understand that there is no future for this industry. He also mentioned that the authorities have committed to amending the legislation to ensure that all vehicles operating in Hong Kong are legal, and that the police will collaborate with the taxi industry to immediately combat illegal car hire services.