Motorists using private vehicles as taxis and those offering car-lift services will face fines and deportation, according to a top transport department official.

Ahmed Al Hamadi, Acting CEO of Dubai Transport Corporation (DTC), said: Motorists caught offering such service will be fined Dh5,000. Second-time offenders will be fined Dh10,000. And those who commit the offence twice in a year will be handed over to the police and deportated."

Terming such services illegal, Al Hamadi warned public against using private taxis and car lifts. Passengers may be exposed to theft or face other risks, he added.
 
Meanwhile, there has been a 12 per cent increase in the number of traffic offenders in the last two years. RTA statistics reveal there were 2,157 cases in 2010 as against 2,536 in 2011.

Al Hamadi, attributed the increase in the number of the offenders caught to the 48 campaigns launched last year. A team of 36 inspectors, with powers of judicial officers, are responsible for the campaign, he added.

Inspectors have the right to issue notices to motorists who do not possess licences or ownership documents.

AL Hamadi called upon the public to co-operate with authorities to help identify offenders. Taxi companies are adversely affected by such illegal practises, he added.

Six drivers were deported in 2010 and one last year, he said.