In Naples, Striscia la Notizia correspondent Luca Abete returns to the topic of widespread illegality and examines the phenomenon of so-called "taxi clans." According to the report, there is a structured network of illegal taxi drivers, capable of operating with a fleet of approximately twenty vehicles.
A system that, according to the television reconstruction, has almost para-criminal characteristics, capable of intercepting customers in various urban contexts and of creating unfair competition for regularly licensed taxi drivers, offering rides at rates significantly lower than the official ones.
From nightlife to daily transportation: a business that's always active
The illegal vehicles are said to be active especially during the nightlife, taking advantage of the high demand for transportation and the lack of enforcement. However, the phenomenon is not limited to the nighttime hours. Illegal vehicles are also said to be active on regular transportation routes, intercepting customers in various areas of the city.
During the report, Luca Abete attempts to engage in dialogue with some of the drivers, attempting to highlight their lack of licenses and authorizations. However, the discussion quickly escalates: tempers flare, the atmosphere becomes tense, and the reporter encounters hostile reactions, a sign of a system that tolerates no intrusion.
The reaction of regular taxi drivers: "The municipality is perfectly aware"
After the broadcast, the Comitato Tassisti di Base (Basic Taxi Drivers Committee) issued an official statement, strongly criticizing the municipal administration.
"We can't say we're surprised, but we're deeply disconcerted," the committee wrote, pointing the finger at what they call the City of Naples's flawed policy regarding transportation and safety.
According to the Committee, the relevant councilors are perfectly aware of the phenomenon, which has been reported for years, but despite numerous proposals put forward by the category, nothing has been done to stem it.
The ignored proposals and the security issue
The document lists some of the solutions that were never implemented:
from the adoption of a real Traffic Plan, to the reactivation and expansion of the ZTL entrances, up to a strengthening of controls on the territory.
"We are fully aware," it reads, "that the taxi industry is being severely damaged by this policy, which pays little attention to mobility and citizen safety."
The Committee expresses solidarity with the Striscia la Notizia crew and recognizes the efforts of the "tourist" Municipal Police, emphasizing that the problem requires structural, rather than sporadic, interventions.
"Naples in disarray": a warning about mobility and legality.
The statement concludes with a message that goes beyond taxi drivers and involves the entire city.
The phenomenon of illegal taxis, according to the Basic Taxi Drivers Committee, represents "a clear signal to the citizens of Naples: Naples remains in disarray, both in terms of safety and urban mobility."
This alarm, following the televised investigation, has forcefully returned to the center of public debate, refocusing the spotlight on legality, transportation, and land use planning in a city already plagued by profound problems.
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Comments (1)
Reading the article, I realized that the situation with illegal taxis in Naples is very serious. Regular taxi drivers should have more protection. It's strange that the city isn't taking adequate measures to stop this illegality.