This new law will allow the Department of the Environment to revamp taxi services across Northern Ireland and take a tougher stance on illegal operators and drivers. It is expected to attract all-party support.
The Minister said: “The Taxis Bill paves the way for the first major reform of the taxi industry for almost forty years. It is sorely needed to improve safety and accessibility, raise service standards, and clamp down on unlicensed taxiing.
“I’m delighted that my first Bill to pass through the Assembly deals with an issue that affects so many people going about their daily lives-getting to school or work, attending medical appointments, or just going out with friends.
“By providing for tough action on illegal operators, the Bill will also benefit the many reputable taxi depots and licensed drivers already committed to providing excellent services to their customers.”
If passed following today’s debate, the Taxis Bill is expected to come into law within the next few weeks as the Taxis (Northern Ireland) Act 2008.
Further regulations will be needed to bring it fully into effect. The first changes people can expect to see as a result of the Bill, starting later this year, are stronger enforcement powers to combat illegal taxis. This will be followed, beginning in 2009, by the introduction of taxi operator licensing. Other future developments include proposals to make it easier for disabled people to book and use taxis, to require all taxis to have taximeters, and to allow all taxis in Belfast to pick up passengers without a booking.
Notes to Editors:
- The Taxis Bill makes provision regulating taxi operators, taxis and taxi drivers; and for related purposes.
- Further information on the Bill can be found on the NI Assembly’s website
. - The DOE’s Taxi Reform Newsletter explains more about what will happen after the Bill becomes law and when taxi changes will start to happen.
- For media enquiries please contact DOE Press Office 028 9054 0014 or out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
