The Transport Authority has vowed to increase its clampdown on operators of public passenger vehicles despite howls of protest from some bus and taxi drivers.

The drivers have charged that since the latest initiative, which was launched by the Transport Authority in February, even those properly licensed and operating in line with the rules have been harassed by transport inspectors and members of the police force.

But Daniel Dawes, managing director of the Transport Authority, yesterday promised that any report of strong-arm tactics by the inspectors would be investigated and appropriate action taken.

According to Dawes, the authority is on a drive to clean up the system, tarnished by operators who flout the law.

"We have so far (since February) mounted over 57 operations islandwide, and we have brought to book over 2,700 breaches," Dawes claimed.

40 per cent illegal

He further stated that almost 40 per cent of the buses and taxis captured in a recent survey were operating illegally or contrary to their road licences.

"We did a national survey of over 43,000 operators and what we found was that over 12,000 illegal operators were recorded. The survey also revealed that we had (approximately 4,000) persons that are licensed but have been operating contrary to the rules and regulations," Dawes said.

The Transport Authority is getting the full backing of Mike Henry, Cabinet minister responsible for the sector.

However, Henry said he was also concerned about the action of some inspectors attached to the Transport Authority.