Authority tightens checks on taxi and flex traffic drivers

The Danish Road Traffic Authority will tighten scrutiny of drivers and companies operating in the taxi and flex traffic sectors, DR reports. The move follows revelations about drivers’ conduct while transporting customers.

The revelations were presented in DR’s programme Kontant, in an episode titled Flextrafik på slingrekurs.

The authority said it would take a more consistent approach to assessing whether drivers, companies and responsible managers meet the conditions for obtaining or retaining driver cards, permits and approvals.

Kontant reported that some drivers watched television while driving customers. Passengers also described feeling unsafe, and several people were injured in cases involving problems such as being properly secured during journeys.

The authority said companies that fail to comply with the rules should be identified and sanctioned much more quickly. It will also examine whether individuals or companies have previously committed offences and strengthen cooperation with police, tax authorities and transport companies.

The industry organisation Trafikselskaberne said it regretted the examples highlighted by Kontant, but maintained that the overall picture of flex traffic was one of skilled drivers and very high customer satisfaction.