Who's Been Naughty In CA? Agency Releases List

The quarterly government report showcases and names a range of ground transportation violators, from illegal operators to those with minor infractions.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION has posted its 1Q 2011 report of enforcement actions against for-hire charter party carriers, which includes chauffeured transportation operators.

CPUC ACTION LIST HERE

The CPUC is the agency that licenses and regulates chauffeured transportation operators in California, and is also tasked with enforcing state laws. About 5,000 limo operators are registered with the CPUC.

In recent years, the GREATER CALIFORNIA LIVERY ASSOCIATION has been working with the agency to boost enforcement of rules and catch more illegal operators, who undercut legitimate operators. PASSAGE OF AB2572 last year reformed procedures in three key areas: Expands the authority of local peace officers to impound vehicles operating illegally anywhere within the state; requires immediate return of impounded vehicles upon payment of (higher) impound fees by the owner of the vehicle and proof of PUC license; and allows the CPUC to enforce rules and regulations adopted by an airport commission.

GCLA President Mark Stewart said Tuesday he has not yet compared the volume of the CPUC’s 1Q enforcement actions with those of previous quarters to determine if it represents an increase in enforcement activity, although he said the number of cease and desist orders appear to be greater.

Effective enforcement should reach beyond the CPUC, with local law enforcement agencies needing to work with the agency in stepping up local efforts to bust gypsy operators, Stewart said. The GCLA would like to see more enforcement efforts such as THIS TOUR BUS STING IN HOLLYWOOD in December 2010.

The next GCLA dinner meeting will be held Wednesday, May 11 in San Diego from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Phil's BBQ, 3750 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92110, (619) 226-6333.

— Martin Romjue, LCT Magazine