The accused are charged with driving without a permit or third-party insurance
ALLEN.AUYEUNG@SCMP.COM
PUBLISHED : Friday, 15 January, 2016, 11:09pm
UPDATED : Friday, 15 January, 2016, 11:09pm
The Uber office has once again become the centre of attention. Photo: Reuters
Seven Hong Kong drivers for the Uber online taxi-hailing service have each been charged with driving without a permit or third-party insurance.
The seven – who were arrested in August during a police crackdown on the passenger service – will appear in Kowloon City Court next Friday.
READ MORE: Hongkongers overwhelmingly prefer Uber over taxis in wake of government crackdown: survey
During the operation last year, codenamed Cellbreaker, officers posed as customers and hired cars using the Uber app in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kwun Tong and Sha Tin.
Officers also raided Uber’s Hong Kong offices in Cheung Sha Wan and Sheung Wan.
Seven other Uber staff members were also arrested and the police said four of them had been released without condition upon further investigation.
The police acted last year amid pressure from taxi lobby groups, which had criticised the government for failing to take measures to stop car-hailing apps.
Uber is at the centre of conflicts internationally between its popular service and taxi drivers and cab owners fearful for their business.
Under Hong Kong law, using a car for hire without a permit is a criminal offence under the Road Traffic Ordinance.
Any person who commits the offence is liable to a fine of HK$5,000 and three months’ imprisonment for a first conviction, and HK$10,000 and six months’ imprisonment for a second or subsequent conviction.
Driving without suitable third-party insurance is also illegal and offenders could be liable to penalties including a fine of HK$10,000, 12 months’ imprisonment and suspension of their driving licence for 12 months to three years.
Amid rising complaints about taxi services last year, the government is studying the possibility of adding a premium taxi fleet. The study is expected to be finished by the third quarter of this year.
http://m.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-crime/article/1901730/flag-falls-seven-uber-drivers-hong-kong-face-driving
