The Motor Vehicles department (MVD) has deployed enforcement squads to nab four-wheelers operating as illegal taxis to and from the Cochin International Airport.

The action follows innumerable complaints received in this regard, based on which Transport Commissioner Nagaraju Chakilam ordered stern action against illegal operators. A total of four squads were deployed in Angamaly, Aluva, Perumbavoor, and Kalady to book such vehicles operating without taxi permit and for other traffic violations.

The squads registered a total of 68 cases for violations like improper display of registration number — including on the sides of vehicles — illegal alterations, and not paying tax and insurance amounts. A total of ₹1.47 lakh was levied as compounding fee from them, says a release issued by Biju Issac, Ernakulam RTO (Enforcement).

In addition, the MVD’s enforcement personnel levied ₹2.67 lakh as fee from motorists for violating no-parking norms in July-August.