LAX Taxis Get a Surprise
Officials were checking to ensure that all of the vehicles had proper permits to do business
Thursday, Jan 7, 2010 | Updated 2:58 PM PDT
Taxis, limousines and passenger vans at Los Angeles International Airport were pulled over for surprise inspections Wednesday as multiple city and law enforcement agencies checked the safety of the vehicles and verified operating permits and drivers' licenses.
The inspection operation began at about 8 a.m. and were expected to continue until about 12:30 p.m.
According to the Airport Police Department, officials were checking to ensure that all of the vehicles had proper permits to do business at LAX. The vehicles were also being inspected to check braking systems and ensure that passenger restraints and other safety systems were working properly.
In 2008, airport police arrested numerous "bandit" drivers operating illegally at LAX, removed 246 ground-transportation vehicles from the property and cited 432 drivers for various local and state violations, according to the department.
In addition to the Airport Police Department, other agencies involved in the operation were the state Public Utilities Commission, Los Angeles World Airports Permits Unit, city Department of Transportation and state Employment Development Department.
