Taxi plans 'better for customers'

The views of taxi owners and customers are being sought

Taxi customers in NI would get a "much better deal" under government plans to regulate the industry, the environment minister has said.

The proposed legislation would mean police and the Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency would get more powers to stop and seize unlicensed taxis.

It would introduce maximum fare rates, cabs could be hailed on the street, and meters would be compulsory.

David Cairns said firms and drivers "will be expected to raise their game".

The minister said it would be easier for customers "to find out what fare they should be charged and how it has been worked out".

PLANNED TAXI CHANGES Introducing an operator licensing system for taxi businesses Allowing all taxis to pick up on the streets without a booking Setting maximum fare rates for all taxis Requiring all taxis to have meters Making all new drivers pass a taxi driving test Insisting that all taxi drivers have relevant training, including in customer service Allowing some taxis to operate shared services able to charge individual passengers separate, but cheaper-than-normal fares Requiring operators to provide more taxis designed to meet the needs of older people and people with disabilities Allowing only accessible vehicles like these to use taxi ranks

"There will be a lot less confusion about different types of taxis and when they are allowed to pick passengers.

"As well as that, taxi operators and drivers will be expected to raise their game by getting relevant training and becoming much more focused on meeting customer needs."

Mr Cairns said he wanted to "continue to tackle the menace of illegal activity that I know holds back the taxi industry and damages its image".

"That's why I'm determined to apply tougher enforcement and other measures to make sure that every taxi on our roads is safe, driven by an insured, licensed driver and operated through a reputable taxi business," he said.

A series of public meetings will be held in September, and Mr Cairns said he would encourage everyone who uses or provides taxi services to comment on the proposals.

Steven McCausland from Value Cabs said the proposed changes would benefit the industry.

"The taxi drivers that certainly work in our company, keep records, keep proper insurance, keep proper licensing and make sure the thing is done in the correct manner," he said.

"I think if that was done across the industry everybody would have a level playing field."

North-West Taxi Proprietors said the bill would create major change in the industry. It urged people to respond to the document.

In a statement, it said: "This will be the biggest shake up of the taxi industry in over 30 years. Although this is very much a piece of enabling legislation it will set the tone of change to come."

The government aims to have the legislation in place by next March.