A Didi Kuadi driver is facing a RMB100,000 fine from authorities in Guangzhou, possibly the largest fine ever issued to a private driver in China.
The incident occurred on June 9 when the driver, Cui Gaohui, was busted with a Didi passenger in Dongshan district, according to the South China Morning Post.
When approached by police, Cui sent a message to a private driver social media group requesting help.
The message brought hundreds of other drivers to the scene, which then surrounded the car in an effort to encourage police to let the man go.
In response to the tsunami of drivers, dozens of armed police were deployed to back-up their comrades. This led to a confrontation with authorities that lasted several hours and, naturally, a massive 2 kilometer-long traffic jam.
Cui was able to leave the scene without a ticket or having his car impounded. Assuming the altercation was over, he was shocked to open the door last Monday to municipal transport committee officials delivering a RMB100,000 ticket for running an illegal taxi service.
Under Chinese traffic law, individuals involved in illegal transportation operations can be fined between RMB30,000-100,000 – provided the driver's profit is under RMB20,000.
When Cui asked authorities what evidence they had against him authorities responded that they have video recordings from the incident.
He has stated that he will plead not guilty, according to media reports.
“I don’t think the recording could serve as irrefutable evidence, because I didn’t accept any cash or check from the passenger,” Cui told the South China Morning Post.
“I was just helping Didi Kuaidi take care of one of its passenger.”
The incident is the latest in a series of setbacks for private-car hailing companies, including a raid on Uber's Guangzhou office in April and an alleged crackdown on private drivers in Beijing and Shanghai.
READ MORE: Guangzhou government to bust out Uber copy
[Image via the SCMP]
0 User Comments