The Regional Command of the Public Security Police of Madeira announced the arrest of two male taxi drivers, aged 45 and 49, born in the municipality of Funchal, for the crime of speculation.
Following an inspection action carried out by the Traffic Police Station (ET) on the 29th of January, in Largo das Babosas – Monte, motivated by complaints from foreign citizens to the PSP, who reported that taxi drivers were not adhering to the tariffs regulated by the Regional Directorate of Economy and Transport for the Autonomous Region of Madeira in combined services – Letter P. During the inspection it was possible to intercept and detain one of the above-mentioned citizens after they’d completed a half day tour from downtown Funchal to Largo das Babosas, with a stop at the Botanical Garden, totalling 3 hours.
After taking witness statements and collecting material evidence from the taxi driver, it was possible to verify that the value he charged was three times the fixed value. He was then arrested for price speculation and his vehicle was seized.
On the 30th of January, following another inspection action by ET, this time near the Port of Funchal, it was possible to intercept and detain another driver when he had completed a tour from downtown Funchal to Cabo Girão, with a stop at the Botanical Garden, bay of C.ª de Lobos, and return to the city of Funchal, taking approximately 4 hours.
After hearing the witnesses and again collecting evidence from the taxi driver, it was possible to verify that the amount he charged was 4 times more than the fixed value. He too was arrested and his vehicle was seized
Both detainees have been presented to the judicial authority, and the cases will be investigated.
The Regional Command of the PSP Madeira asks tour operators as well as hotels to ensure that all tourists are advised of the price of their trip before they start their journey.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
