Surge in complaints against Hong Kong taxi drivers as passengers complain of rudeness, overcharging and hire refusals

A new front has opened up in the battle for Hong Kong's streets with new figures revealing a dramatic rise in passenger complaints against drivers of the city's 18,000-strong traditional taxis.

Official figures obtained by the Sunday Morning Post show that among the top complaints were taxi drivers refusing a hire, overcharging and not taking the most direct route. The numbers for each complaint increased five-fold over the past 11 years.

The traditional taxi industry has conceded it is failing to serve customers properly, as dissatisfied customers turn to alternative private car services such as Uber.

Last week's crackdown, which included the arrest of seven Uber driver-partners and a police raid on the company's office, demonstrates the city's stance on unlicensed transport services. But Hong Kong may be neglecting the root causes of Uber's growing popularity.