Timescales for changes to improve and modernise the taxi industry here, have been announced by Environment Minister Mark H Durkan.
Mr Durkan said the move, which includes the introduction of meters in taxis, would raise standards, improve compliance, promote road safety, reduce illegality, improve accessibility and facilitate fairer competition.
His actions, summarised in a written statement to the Assembly and presented to the Environment Committee, include:
• A specific taxi driver test for new taxi drivers only – October 2014
• People being able to hail all taxis in the street, black or otherwise – January 2015
• Powers of Seizure against illegal taxis – January 2015
A new specification for Wheelchair Accessible Taxis which will ensure that users with disabilities will be better served by the taxi industry – May 2015
• Periodic training for all taxi drivers – September 2015
• All taxis to have taximeters and printers and adhere to maximum fare regulations.
Mr Durkan said the changes will greatly benefit the public .
He added: “Taxis will be easier to get, taxis will be safer to use, taxis will be better at looking after the requirements of our disabled citizens.”
Mr Durkan said he believed the proposed changes would enhance the reputation of the taxi industry, thereby increasing demand for all operators.
