Spanish taxis warned they will be stopped from entering Gibraltar as border removed | World | News
Spanish taxi drivers have been warned that their passage to Gibraltar will be stopped, a day after the border checkpoint between the neighbors was removed. The Gibraltar government said transport officers would be at the border to “monitor and prevent” Spanish taxis from entering the British Overseas Territory.
Officers will also be able to issue fines and work with other law enforcement agencies to seize or remove vehicles from Gibraltar. The announcement comes after it was reported that a Spanish taxi was allegedly operating without a license in Gibraltar on Wednesday (the day the border fence was removed). Footage shared by local media shows two local tax drivers writhing in a Spanish taxi.
Motorists who called police said it was the second incident of the day and expressed concern that locals could use the taxi service from across the border. Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation reports.
Gibraltar’s transport ministry said on Thursday that border inspectors will remind Spanish taxi drivers that despite the removal of the physical border, “the laws regulating the taxi service have not changed”.
The department said: “Investigators will report and impose appropriate punishment and will work with other law enforcement agencies to seize the vehicle or remove it from Gibraltar if these actions are necessary.
“The Department requests the public to report any further incidents to law enforcement who will endeavor to deal with such incidents promptly and expeditiously.
“Neighboring countries are being contacted to remind them that cross-border transport rules have not changed.
He added: “The Government fully supports taxi drivers and the excellent service they provide to both the community and visitors. They can rely on its full support to protect all drivers and their trade.”
The agreement to remove the border fence was signed in Brussels on Tuesday and came into force at midnight on Wednesday, with both British and Spanish citizens celebrating their new freedom of movement.
The move is set to end lengthy delays and checks for those traveling along the border.
Around 15,000 Spaniards, almost half of Gibraltar’s workforce, cross the border every day to work.
The deal comes after years of post-Brexit debate.
