Police launch Lan Kwai Fong taxi ambassador scheme

Police on Wednesday announced a three-month taxi ambassador scheme to tackle illegal practices by taxi drivers in Lan Kwai Fong, saying overcharging and refused hires in the area affect tourists and the image of Hong Kong. Every weekend from April 5, ambassadors will be deployed at taxi stands on Wellington Street and Stanley Street from midnight to 5am to tell people about fares and complaint hotlines. "The ambassadors will basically help passengers to jot down the basic information, say for example the registration number of the taxi, and also the destination and approximate taxi fare. So in case they have any complaints against the taxi drivers, they can use it as a means to lodge a complaint," said Law Kwok-hoi, deputy district commander of Central. Law added that officers will review the scheme to see if there is a need to prolong the period or extend it to more locations in the territory. Some taxi drivers told RTHK that they welcome the scheme because it can help improve the industry's image. "In fact, illegal taxi practices in Lan Kwai Fong have been around for a long time. I hope the police will implement the scheme effectively. None of us want 'black sheep' to give the public such a bad impression of our entire industry," said a taxi driver surnamed Chan. Au Yeung Kan, chairman of United Friendship Taxi Owners & Drivers Association, said he hopes there will also be ambassadors at other popular tourist spots such as Disneyland. The Lan Kwai Fong Association, meanwhile, said bar and restaurant staff in the nightlife hub will help to promote the scheme and guide customers to the two taxi stands.