CONTACT: Sgt. Belinda L. Nettles
           (424) 646-5591

MULTI-AGENCY LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATION AT LAX ENHANCES PUBLIC SAFETY FOR USERS OF GROUND TRANSPORTATION 

(Los Angeles, California – June 28, 2012) A multi-agency law enforcement operation conducted today at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) resulted in 26 commercial ground transportation vehicles removed from service, 71 citations issued to drivers for administrative and mechanical violations, and one vehicle impound. “This operation is part of a proactive approach by Los Angeles Airport Police and our partner agencies to provide the traveling public with safe commercial transportation to and from LAX,” said Los Angeles Airport Police Chief Michael Hyams. He added, “Air travelers rely heavily on commercial ground transportation services, and with the busy summer travel season beginning, it’s important to ensure these providers are complying with all laws.”
Over 60 representatives from the Los Angeles Airport Police Commercial Enforcement and Motors units, the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC), the LAX Airport Operations Ground Transportation Section, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) conducted their inspections starting at 8:30 a.m., at three locations: LAX Parking Lot C (intersection of Westchester Parkway and Jenny Street); LAX Parking Lot F (intersection of Century Boulevard and Avion Drive) and the Upper/Departures Level on the east end of Terminal 7. A total of 275 door-to-door shuttle vans, limousines and buses were inspected during the four-hour operation.
The multi-agency team focused on proper driver and vehicle licenses, transponders, PUC and airport operating permits, and proper commercial insurance.
Los Angeles Airport Police officers and CHP inspectors concentrated on mechanical equipment, including brakes, seat belts, tires, headlights, safety systems that are required to be in good working order and other law-enforcement-related issues.
Of the 275 vehicles inspected, one was impounded. Twenty-six vehicles were taken out of service for various mechanical, permits and licensing violations.
Thirty-five drivers were issued Personal Service Citations for misdemeanor violations. Another 36 drivers were cited for administrative violations, including serious mechanical problems, improper insurance, driving with an out-of-class license, and invalid or no PUC permits. Fines for these citations vary, and the drivers must show proof of correction before they can resume for-hire operation. In addition, 16 warnings and 92 observation reports were issued by the PUC.
Los Angeles Airport Police is the fourth largest law enforcement agency in Los Angeles County with more than 1,100 law enforcement, security and staff personnel. Los Angeles Airport Police is a division of Los Angeles World Airports, the City department that own and operates three airports in Southern California: LAX, LA/Ontario International and Van Nuys (general aviation).

Photograph Courtesy Ofcr. Shawn Smith