Officers from the Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's regional police, intercepted an unlicensed taxi with Polish registration plates at Terminal 1 of Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport on Friday, 21 August.

The seven-seater vehicle was found in a zone designated for Uber operations, where agents observed it picking up passengers without authorisation to provide passenger transport services in Barcelona. The driver was operating illegally under Article 12 of the municipal transport ordinance, which regulates authorised VTC (vehicle with driver) activity.

Following the intervention, the vehicle was immobilised and a fine of 4,001 euros was issued. It will remain impounded until the penalty is paid in full.

Recurring issue at major tourist gateway

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about unauthorised transport operators at the airport, a key entry point for tourists. According to data from the Interior Department, the Mossos carried out 310 controls at the airport so far this year, issuing 738 fines for unfair competition and labour intrusion, averaging more than two daily.

A morning hunting repeat offenders at El Prat Airport

Industry representatives warn that foreign-registered vehicles picking up passengers are not an isolated phenomenon. They argue such practices undermine licensed drivers and call for continued enforcement in high-traffic areas.

Since 2022, the Mossos have maintained a dedicated unit of nine transit division officers conducting systematic checks around the airport. In 2022 alone, they issued 439 fines and immobilised 18 unauthorised VTCs.

  • 439 fines issued in 2022 at Barcelona-El Prat
  • 738 fines issued in first 310 controls of current year
  • 18 VTCs immobilised in 2022
  • 4,001 euro penalty standard for serious transport violations

Earlier this year, a similar case occurred in Reus when an Andorran-registered driver was fined 4,001 euros for operating a VTC service without authorisation, confirming that unlicensed cross-border operations remain a regional enforcement priority.

Primary sources: ${rpb.dspace.name}, badalona.cat. Reported by El Periódico, Germán González, altaveu.com, Henry Wood, Cesc Maideu, Pau de la Calle, catalannews.com, diariodeibiza.com, metropoliabierta.cat.