ARCHIVE

ATLANTA TARGETS ILLEGAL LIMO OPERATORS

ATLANTA TARGETS ILLEGAL LIMO OPERATORS

Atlanta Business Chronicle * August 13, 2009

ATLANTA, GA -- A city crackdown on "gypsy" limo drivers is catching some properly licensed companies in the crossfire, executives with several luxury transportation companies claim.

An Aug. 4, 2009 meeting of industry leaders and law enforcement officials was a first step toward making sure all sides are understanding each other.

Revved up tactics by police against illegal limousines at the Atlanta airport, hotels and convention centers is what many in the industry have requested for years. The problem, police and legitimate luxury transporters say, has only worsened with the economy as gypsy limos skirt the law by failing to be properly licensed or picking up passenger hails like taxis.

Improperly licensed and uninsured limo drivers are a threat to legitimate companies, undercutting cost or simply stealing away passengers. The gypsies also can be trouble for passengers who could be held liable in the event of an accident by an improperly insured driver.

BACK