Naples, taxi drivers on the offensive: "It's not a war with NCCs, but a stop to the invasion of illegal taxis."

Naples – "There's no war between taxis and NCCs. We, the regular taxi drivers, are the ones being invaded." This is a clear accusation coming from the united front of Campania taxi drivers, a coalition that brings together ten of the largest unions and trade associations.

A unanimous voice that, from the columns of this newspaper, tears the veil on a now chronic dispute and shifts the focus from internal competition to the scourge of illegal traffic and uncontrolled trafficking.

The heart of the protest isn't the confrontation with regular NCC (chauffeur-driven rental services), but the market's assault by a multitude of illegal vehicles. "We are being inundated," a joint statement reads, "with cars providing non-scheduled public transport, particularly NCCs from all over the Campania hinterland, and courtesy cars from travel agencies that operate in violation of the regulations."

Unfair competition, they denounce, suffocates legitimate operators and degrades the quality of service for citizens.

The solution to the taxi ban lies in a serious traffic plan and the strengthening of limited traffic zones (ZTLs). On this point, the unions confirm that technical discussions are already underway at the Prefecture.

The objective is twofold: "Define an effective traffic plan" and "evaluate the reopening of existing limited traffic zones and expand others in the future."

In addition to the battle for legality, the document addresses two crucial issues for users: transportation for the disabled and shift work. On the first point, taxi drivers declare themselves "ready to step up their efforts," but place the responsibility of "adapting taxis for wheelchair transportation" on the Municipality, calling for clear investment in this direction.

As regards rotation, it is seen as a "useful tool" to strengthen the service in uncovered areas, but only a "well-structured" traffic plan will be able to precisely identify "the areas and moments of greatest need".

The controversy has thus reignited over the role of the municipal administration, which has been described as "perfectly aware of the critical issues," already highlighted by the Prefecture. Yet, talk continues of a "so-called war" that diverts attention from the true common enemy.

"On the contrary," the unions conclude, "we taxi and NCC operators share a common goal: combating illegal operators and abusive practices in the sector in all its forms." A cross-party front against a phenomenon that "undermines the dignity of our professions and compromises the quality of service."

The final appeal is to the institutions: focus their efforts on "effective controls and legality policies" to protect legitimate operators and ensure "transparency and safety" in a sector crucial to Naples' mobility. The ball is now once again in the politicians' court.