Morocco illegal transport khattafa summer safety risks

The return of the "khattafa" is reigniting the debate on illegal transport in Morocco. In Agadir in particular, professionals are mentioning a control campaign against these unauthorized vehicles, which are in high demand when taxis or other means of transport are lacking.

On Bladi.net : Morocco wants to end clandestine transport in rural areas

For users, these trips can appear as a last resort solution. But the risk is significant. The "khattafa" operate outside any legal framework and do not have the necessary authorizations to transport people, recalls the president of the Moroccan road safety association, Mustafa El Hajji, cited by Hespress.

The risk in case of accident->

The main danger concerns passenger protection. In case of accident, the absence of legal framework and appropriate insurance can leave victims without real coverage. For road safety specialists, getting into this type of vehicle therefore exposes citizens to a direct risk, especially in a context of rising road accidents.

Taxi professionals, for their part, denounce an overly lenient application of the law. According to them, the sanctions provided against illegal transport already exist: fines ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 dirhams, with sentences that can start at six months in prison. But in practice, measures would often be limited to sending the vehicle to the impound for a few days.

The problem does not come solely from the "khattafa". Some taxi drivers avoid routes considered unprofitable, which leaves a void quickly filled by illegal transport. For professionals, citizens must also file a complaint when a taxi refuses a ride.

On Bladi.net : Taxi Driver in Morocco: A High-Risk Profession

Specialists finally call on local authorities to find regulated solutions, particularly in cities where the legal supply is insufficient. Without an alternative, many citizens continue to ride with the "khattafa", sometimes to avoid being stranded at night or exposing themselves to other risks.