Traffic halted at Oulu Airport after taxi drivers bypass pedestrian pathway

Traffic was halted on the road leading to Oulu Airport on Tuesday after an accident occurred shortly after 5 PM. Drivers from at least two different taxi companies drove through a pedestrian pathway to bypass the traffic congestion. Images of the situation were shared on social media, leading to widespread discussion.

Ville-Veikko Pohjola, CEO of the Oulu-based taxi company Otaxi, confirmed that one of the drivers who evaded the traffic was indeed from his company. He emphasized that no reason, including the urgency of catching a flight, justifies such behavior. “The driver made a completely wrong decision. It’s about the credibility of the taxi service. This is not how we operate,” Pohjola stressed.

There will be consequences for driving inappropriately in this context, as regulations govern taxi operations. According to Pohjola, further actions will follow if violations are confirmed: “From warnings to written reprimands. The driver may also lose ride assignments, and service agreements can be terminated. We will review each case individually. The driver will have the opportunity to explain, and definitely, there will be consequences,” he explained.

Ultimately, the driver is responsible for their decisions. Pohjola added that if a passenger pressures a driver to speed, even by offering more money, that does not justify illegal actions.

Tommi Heikkilä, head of the traffic unit at the Oulu police department, noted that taxis driving on bike paths is uncommon. Most reports received concern regular motorists violating pedestrian ways rather than professional drivers. “A traffic violation fine of 100 euros would be issued in such cases,” Heikkilä stated.