Orihuela is heading into another busy summer season without granting eight new taxi licences that have been pending since 2015. The process to award them began a year ago but remains unresolved.

The town continues to operate with 42 licences, the same number as in 2005, despite its population rising to 88,000. Around 30,000 residents live on the coast, where numbers can reach an estimated 100,000 in summer due to tourism and second homes. Spanish law recommends one taxi per 1,000 registered residents, highlighting the shortfall.

The lack of vehicles has led to reports of individuals offering illegal taxi services to destinations such as Torrevieja, Elche and Alicante Airport. It has also fuelled speculation, with some licence holders reportedly offering to sell permits for 195,000 euros. A motion calling for more licences and VTC vehicles was approved at the latest council meeting, with support from most parties.

The provincial gazette published terms for eight new licences a year ago following a court ruling. However, delays have continued, prompting legal pressure from salaried drivers. Meanwhile, long queues for taxis remain common in coastal areas, especially near La Zenia Boulevard shopping centre.