Hong Kong’s John Lee warns taxi drivers against targeting Uber with sting operations

City leader John Lee calls for calm amid ‘divergent views’ over regulation of ride-hailing services, says transport authorities to unveil industry study in July

‘These operations involve some legal issues, and even if law enforcements undertake them, they are subject to strict rules,’ he adds

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Cabbies recently went undercover as Uber passengers in a bid to report suspected illegal ride-hailing services. Photo: May Tse

Published: 11:38am, 21 May 2024Updated: 10:29pm, 21 May 2024

Hong Kong’s leader has urged taxi drivers to stop launching sting operations against Uber drivers, warning such efforts require proper training and legal knowledge.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday sought to address “divergent views” among residents over the regulation of ride-hailing services, saying transport authorities would unveil a report on the topic in July.

The call for calm followed an ad hoc sting operation where cabbies posed as Uber passengers to report at least 13 suspected cases of illegal ride-hailing services.

The move also prompted some residents to opt for a tit-for-tat response against the taxi industry.

“I appeal to everyone not to single-handedly launch sting operations. These operations involve some legal issues, and even if law enforcement undertakes them, they are subject to strict rules,” Lee said before his weekly Executive Council meeting.

He stressed that only law enforcement had the know-how needed to conduct such operations, as they had the necessary legal training to handle any sudden situations.

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