Huge shake up of Taxi industry

IMMINENT changes to legislation in Northern Ireland are causing concern among taxi operators across the rest of the UK.

Three years on from the passing of the Taxis Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 in the assembly, the implications of the new rules are about to be felt by local drivers — with taxi drivers in other regions expressing fears of a similar shake-up.

The changes will bring about a “single tier” taxi licensing system, leading to customers being able to hail private hire cabs in the street. Under existing legislation, it is illegal for a private hire taxis to pick up a fare that hasn’t been pre-booked.

Belfast’s public hire (black taxi) drivers are vehemently opposed to the changes, claiming they will be forced out of business.

Many taxi driver web forums in mainland Britain have published concerns that the changes will threaten their own livelihoods once established in the province.

“If the UK’s mainland taxi industry thinks this is an ‘across-the-water’ issue and they shouldn’t worry about it, well, perhaps they should think again,” is one typical comment.

Following a recent consultation with all relevant stakeholders at Stormont, the changes are expected to be rolled out within months, with all aspects of the bill introduced by 2015.

Environment committee chairwoman Anna Lo said the changes are “good news for consumers” and have come about as a result of complaints from customers.

“Once this system is implemented, then you can put your hand up to any taxi coming down the road and hail the taxi — this will increase the number of available taxis all over Northern Ireland,” the Alliance MLA said.

“Also, there will be meters for all taxis and there will be a maximum fare so that disabled people will not be told there is an extra charge for putting in an extra bit of wheelchair.”

Kevin Doherty, of Disability Action, said the bill is an important piece of legislation that “makes sure people with disabilities can no longer be discriminated against when using taxi services”.

“Disability Action welcomes the fact that the environment committee has asked the department to ensure that people with disabilities are treated fairly in regard to fares and access,” he said.

Proprietor of Fon a Cab private hire company, William McCausland, explained that requests for specific kinds of vehicles can lead to varying charges but said there was no question of disabled customers being overcharged.

“As far as I am concerned, the more regulation and the more enforcement, the better for everyone,” Mr McCausland said.

A spokeswoman for the Consumer Council acknowledged the “important role” played by taxis and said: “We strongly support the objectives of the Taxi Act to raise service standards within the industry, deter unlicensed taxiing and to improve consumer protection, safety and accessibility.”

A spokesman for the Department of the Environment said the minister “is very aware of the potential impact of the proposals, and will in particular listen to the environment committee, taxi drivers and operators”.