Taxis not complying with GPS laws were yesterday taken off the road for the first time since new laws were put in place

The taxis were told by traffic officers at L.F. Wade International Airport to leave and it is thought several were stopped.

It comes in the wake of Transport Minister and Premier Dr. Ewart Brown's announcement on Monday that Government traffic officers will be implementing "more aggressive enforcement measures" when it comes to GPS laws.

Last night Melvin Hill, an affected taxi driver and owner, said: "There were about 40 or 50 taxis waiting in line at the airport when the traffic officers began checking every taxi for GPS.

"I was near the front and they checked me first.

"The lady asked what dispatching company I was with and if my GPS was on and working.

"I told her that I was with Radio Cabs and that my GPS was on but unable to connect because the system at the dispatching office is not operational.

"She told me that if it isn't receiving any signal that I have to leave. She made me get out of the line and leave the airport.

"I think it is very unfair that they are doing this to the taxi industry.

"I personally believe that we should have the choice between radio and GPS because in my experience people prefer voice."

And while Mr. Hill says there was no mention of a fine by the officers, he was deprived of a job and wasted gas getting to and from the airport.

"It is not cheap to operate a taxi; the maintenance, insurance, gasoline and the monthly $150 for GPS costs are just a few of the expenses that go along with this business. Drivers are becoming fed up."

Meanwhile, a petition calling for the removal of Dr. Brown as Transport Minister is circling amongst taxi drivers.

"I will be signing that petition," said Mr. Hill.

Eddie Darrel, president of Bermuda Radio Cabs called the move "scare tactics".

l See Monday's Royal Gazette for an in-depth report on the row over GPS.