TAXIdrivers in the Western Division say their earnings have decreased drastically because of the existence of illegal operators.
Fiji Taxi Association general secretary Lautoka branch Mohammed Shameem said the issue was serious and needed immediate attention.
"We have been unfairly treated compared to these illegal operators because we are paying all the required public service transport fees while the illegal operators are operating free," he said.
"Most taxidrivers have their income sliced to half because of the existence of the illegal transportation in the west.
"This issue was raised with concerned authorities but our requests had fallen on deaf ears."
Mr Shameem is also urging members of the public to refrain from using illegal vehicles. When asked why most taxis were not operating at night, Mr Shameem said most have been victims of robberies.
He said drivers feared for their safety at night as they had been targeted by thugs.
Earlier this month, LTA spokesman Alfred Wiliame said the increasing number of illegal vehicles in Lautoka and in most parts of the Western Division was attributed to the lack of taxis operating at night.