MULTI-AGENCY LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTION AT LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ENHANCES PUBLIC SAFETY FOR USERS OF GROUND TRANSPORTATION

(Los Angeles, California – July 19, 2006) A multi-agency law enforcement operation conducted today at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) resulted in nine commercial ground transportation vehicles removed from service and 149 citations issued to drivers for mechanical and administrative violations.

The goal of the operation was to enhance the personal safety of the general public who use commercial ground transportation services. Travelers at airports, such as LAX, are significant audiences for commercial ground transportation providers. Nearly 60 representatives from the Los Angeles Airport Police, California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and Los Angeles World Airports Landside Operations and Airfield Permits Unit conducted their inspections at the airport’s limousine holding lot. A total of 428 limousines, door-to-door shuttle vans and long-distance vans were inspected during the four-hour operation.

The multi-agency team focused on proper driver and vehicle licensing, PUC and airport operating permits and other law enforcement-related issues. CHP officers and inspectors concentrated on mechanical equipment, including braking systems, passenger restraints, headlights and other safety systems that are required to be in good working order.

Of the 428 vehicles inspected, two were impounded for operating with a revoked PUC permit and one for brakes being unsafe to drive on city streets.

The team removed nine additional vehicles from service for serious mechanical problems with steering, brakes, vehicle suspension and other mechanical issues. Seven vehicles are prohibited from further operation at LAX until violations of the airport’s ground transportation operating permit program are corrected. Transponders (devices that are attached to commercial vehicles to monitor the number of times they access and circuit the airport’s Central Terminal Area roadways) were confiscated from these seven vehicles.

Five drivers (including one of the drivers of the impounded vehicles) were issued Personal Service Citations for misdemeanor violations including serious mechanical problems,improper insurance, driving with an out-of-class license, and invalid or no PUC permits. Fines for these citations vary, and the drivers must show proof of correction before they can resume for-hire operation.

Last month, a similar multi-agency operation was conducted at LAX which targeted taxis. During this operation, 477 taxicabs were inspected which resulted in 54 drivers receiving administrative citations for mechanical and equipment violations. These violations ranged from improper lights; no proof of insurance, registration or permit; no license plate; unsealed meters; no fuel cap; improper attire and unsanitary interiors.