Rogue taxi drivers still overcharging for Peak rides despite police vows of crackdown

Despite pledges from the authorities to crack down on the problem, taxi drivers at one of the city's most popular tourist destinations continue to exploit visitors and residents alike by charging arbitrary, off-meter prices.

Earlier this year, police and management at The Peak Tram terminus in Central told the Sunday Morning Post they were aware of illegal taxi touts overcharging tourists and were working to curb the problem.

However, a return visit to the tram station by the Post earlier this week found the practice has continued unabated, with the culprits operating in plain sight in front of the building.

For a single trip to The Peak, drivers were requesting HK$280 - around four times the normal price of the journey.

In one instance, a driver had no licence displayed on the dashboard, a practice that residents of the area say is common.

Anna Milena Hardesty, a tourist from Texas, said she was "shocked" when consecutive taxi drivers attempted to charge her HK$300 to make the journey from the top of The Peak to her hotel in Fortress Hill.

"We love visiting Hong Kong and all its many attractions. This is our second trip here this year. However, while we will continue to recommend Hong Kong to our friends … we will also warn them about the unscrupulous cab drivers," Hardesty said.