Undercover police arrest Lantau taxi driver for overcharging

A 61-year-old taxi driver was arrested for overcharging during an undercover police operation on Lantau Island on Wednesday.

Officers from the New Territories South Traffic Department posed as passengers and took a taxi ride within the Lantau area. Upon reaching their destination, the driver attempted to collect additional surcharges, prompting police to reveal their identities and arrest him for "overcharging."

The involved taxi has been impounded for further inspection. The arrested driver has been granted bail pending further investigation and is required to report to police in early November.

During the same operation, police issued traffic summons to three other taxi drivers for "failing to display their taxi driver identification cards."

Authorities emphasized the seriousness of taxi violations, noting that overcharging carries maximum penalties of six months' imprisonment and a HK$10,000 fine upon conviction. Police pledged continued enforcement to protect public and tourist interests.