Illegal Taxi Services Surge as Orihuela Licensing Process Stalls

Taxi drivers in Orihuela Costa are warning of a surge in unlicensed passenger services, blaming a lack of vehicles and delays in obtaining new municipal taxi licences. This problem is especially noticeable at busy spots like Zenia Boulevard, where long queues form during summer. On Monday, a private driver was seen approaching passengers at the shopping centre's taxi rank, offering paid rides.

Licensed drivers alerted the Local Police, who stopped the man and confirmed he lacked commercial transportation authorization. The council noted he received an administrative penalty, but police deny an allegation that he was also detained for breaching a restraining order.

Industry insiders report that unlicensed passengers solicitation is becoming more frequent, particularly in La Zenia and Cabo Roig, with drivers intercepting those waiting for taxis and charging them directly. This issue worsens at night when demand is high and many passengers are tourists leaving venues. With only around 22 or 23 vehicles currently serving the coast, compared to Torrevieja's 90 licences, Orihuela faces a significant shortage.

Last November, the city began awarding eight more licences after a court ordered it to issue at least one, but the process has stalled due to controversy over its examination and assessment method. The council claims it can amend the rules without restarting the procedure. Drivers argue that delaying licence issuance during peak summer is leaving residents and tourists with inadequate service while encouraging illegal operators.

Previous arrangements to assist Orihuela with Torrevieja taxis have not been renewed, and experts say the municipality must address its own shortage before the situation worsens.