The law enforcement department of the city traffic authority is clamping down on illegal passenger transport around the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in Qingpu District to ensure November's China International Import Expo is successful.

According to the traffic authority, altogether they have nailed more than 30 cases of illegal passenger transport in the first two rounds of inspections, 90 percent of which were carried out by illegal online ride-hailing cars.

On Monday afternoon police descended onSongze Avenue, an area which is quite close to the expo venue. Within three hours, 16 cars were busted, all of whom were illegal online ride-hailing cars.

In one case after the driver was busted, a passenger surnamed Zhou surprisingly tried to cover up for the driver. She claimed that she insisted he take her to her destination after he refused, despite the fact that he had no certification.

But after being told of the consequences boarding an illegal car could have brought if an accident occurred, Zhou admitted she was lying. “I just wanted to help the driver out because I felt sorry for him,” she said.

Supporting illegal behavior would only lead tomore crime, said the law enforcement officer.

The car Zhou boarded was seized by the authority and an officer hailed a legitimate taxi so she could continue on her way.