Minister welcomes taxi compliance levels

The majority of taxis and their drivers are meeting their legal requirements, a Driver & Vehicle Agency survey revealed today.

Environment Minister Sammy Wilson welcomed the results of a 2008 survey – the first of its kind in the British Isles - which showed over three quarters of the fleet are complying with the law.

However he insisted there was still considerable room for more improvement.

The Minister said: “During the survey, 550 taxis were stopped where both the taxi and driver were assessed for compliance with the relevant legal requirements.

“Results from the survey indicate 76.7% of the taxis and drivers checked had no serious offences detected. However 23.3% had an offence which warranted further action.

“During the checks, the DVA discovered defective tyres, steering and lights in some cabs, invalid insurance and invalid taxi driver licences.

“While it is encouraging the majority of taxis on Northern Ireland’s roads are compliant, there is still room for much more improvement.

“Unroadworthy taxis and drivers who are not properly licensed or insured represent a risk to the general public.

“It is imperative anyone using a taxi must make sure that taxi is properly licensed and is displaying its plates.”

The survey revealed:

• Over 97% of taxi drivers licenses were compliant.
• Over 97% of drivers met the legal requirements on insurance.
• Almost 90% of taxi tyres complied with the law.
• Almost 93% of taxis met the compliance standards for defective steering.
• Almost 98% of taxis’ lights met the legal requirements.

Notes to Editors:

1. This is the first survey of its kind in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland
2. DVA carried out comprehensive roadworthiness and licensing checks on 550 vehicles over a three month period across Northern Ireland
3. Driver & Vehicle Agency currently operates a Taxi Enforcement team responsible for enforcement of licensing and roadworthiness regulations.
4. Information about DVA can be found on the Agency’s website . For those who do not have access to the Internet, information is available from DVA Enforcement Headquarters 148/158 Corporation St Belfast BT1 3DH.
5. 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.