Ibiza: Five taxi drivers stopped for alcohol or drug influence

Controls in Eivissa reveal troubling figures

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These are not the headlines you'd want to hear on a sunny morning in the Old Town: in Ibiza's capital, Eivissa, officers stopped five taxi drivers within a few weeks who were under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Three cases tested positive for drugs, two drivers had alcohol in their blood. One of them had been flagged previously.

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An accident in Sant Josep raises the alarm

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Away from the city, in the municipality of Sant Josep, there was also a serious incident: a taxi driver apparently under the influence of narcotics struck a cyclist. Fortunately: the injured person was taken to hospital with bruises and cuts and is not in life-threatening condition. The circumstances are still under investigation.

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What penalties do the drivers face? Those caught behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs risk not only losing their license. In addition to the revocation of the taxi license, fines of up to 6,000 euros are possible. In repeated cases, career consequences can be far-reaching.

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Yesterday I spoke with a taxi driver at the harbor. He said there are rules, but the pressure is palpable: shifts late into the night, high operating costs, and sometimes great haste. That doesn't excuse it. But it explains why some cross the line.

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Controls and responses

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Local authorities say that more frequent random checks are being carried out. Police and the municipality are working together to minimize risks for passengers and other road users. They are also examining whether stricter requirements for taxi dispatch centers and regular training could help.

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A resident of Avenida del Puerto summed it up: "If a driver isn't fit, he endangers not only himself but all of us." That feeling makes this matter bitter. Especially in peak season the number of trips is high, the streets are full of tourists, cyclists and pedestrians.

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What can passengers do? If you feel unsafe, you should note the taxi number, in doubt take another vehicle or inform the police. Many local companies now have emergency numbers and guidance on how to report risky behavior.

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The cases in Ibiza serve as a wake-up call: checks are having an impact, but they must remain regular and visible. For residents and visitors, road safety remains the most important thing.