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

(Los Angeles, California – July 19, 2007) A multi-agency law enforcement operation conducted today at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) resulted in seven commercial ground transportation vehicles removed from service and 72 citations issued to drivers for mechanical, misdemeanor 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 54 representatives from the Los Angeles Airport Police, California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and Los Angeles World Airports Landside Operations conducted their inspections at the airport’s limousine holding lot. A total of 289 limousines, buses, door-to-door shuttle vans and long-distance vans were inspected during the three and a half-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, suspension and other safety systems that are required to be in good working order.

Of the 289 vehicles inspected, seven were issued misdemeanor violations for operating with a suspended/revoked PUC permit and were removed from service. One driver was cited for driving with an out-of-class license. The vehicles and driver are prohibited from further operation at LAX until violations of the airport’s ground transportation operating permit program are corrected.

The team removed three additional vehicles from service for serious mechanical problems with brakes, vehicle suspension and other mechanical issues. Faulty transponders (devices that are attached to commercial vehicles to monitor the number of times they enter the airport’s Central Terminal Area roadways) were confiscated from several vehicles. Seven drivers were issued Personal Service Citations for misdemeanor violations including driving out-of-class and or without valid PUC permits. Fines for these citations vary, and the drivers must show proof of correction before they can resume for-hire operation.

Inspection group checking commercial shuttle van

Vehicle Inspection site-commercial vehicles in line for inspections