Taxi drivers in Orihuela Costa say a shortage of licensed cabs is encouraging unauthorised passenger services at busy locations including Zenia Boulevard, La Zenia and Cabo Roig. The problem is particularly serious at night, when tourists and people leaving entertainment venues face long waits.

On Monday, a private driver was intercepted at Zenia Boulevard after allegedly approaching people in the taxi queue and offering rides. Police found that he did not have authorisation to provide the service. Orihuela Town Hall says he received an administrative sanction. Taxi sources claim he was also detained over an alleged breach of a restraining order involving his partner, although local police have no record of that detail.

The sector says the situation is linked to the town’s limited fleet. Orihuela has 42 taxi licences, with around 22 or 23 taxis usually operating on the coast. Drivers say this is not enough for the area’s summer demand, particularly when compared with Torrevieja’s roughly 90 licences.

A municipal competition to award eight additional licences has been delayed. The council says an error in the criteria can be corrected without restarting the process. Drivers are calling for the procedure to be completed, arguing that the lack of licensed taxis is creating opportunities for illegal operators. They say pre-booked VTC services are different because they cannot pick up passengers directly from taxi ranks or the street.