CERTAIN taxis in Belfast will be banned from displaying a roof sign under new legislation due to come into effect next month.
The main change means that passengers will be able to hail a taxi between midnight and 6am on Friday and Saturday nights, and certain public holidays, within a two mile zone stretching from Belfast city centre.
However, depending on the type of taxi licence they apply for, some private hire taxi drivers will not be able to identify themselves with a roof sign from May 31.
Although many private hire drivers will opt for a class A licence, which will allow a 'new style' roof sign, they will also be required to purchase a taximeter and printer, which must be tested by the Driver Vehicle Agency, at a combined cost of more than £400.
Some private hire taxi drivers are instead choosing to apply for a class C licence - normally reserved for wedding and funeral cars - which will restrict their use, prohibiting them from picking up fares on the street.
They will not be allowed to display a roof sign and customers will be obliged to fill in a form once in the taxi including details of the journey and the price agreed.
It is understood that the move preventing roof signs is to prevent tourists and members of the public from attempting to wave down a taxi which they are unaware has already been pre-booked.
However, one taxi driver affected by the change told The Irish News that he felt the requirement to travel without roof signs went too far.
He said: "Some years ago we were told about the danger of private taxis, no roof signs, no ID on them, that they were a danger to the public.
"Now they are telling us to take signs off so you will not be identified as a taxi. What is happening?"
In an email seen by The Irish News, a Department of the Environment official states that there will be a grace period during which the department will not take action against drivers who do not have taxi meters fitted.
The official states: "It's likely that this period will be four months although this has not yet been confirmed."
A spokesman for the DoE said: "Any taxi driver can apply for a class C Taxi Licence and will be granted it so long as they meet the requirements of the relevant legislation.
"They (class C taxis) will not be permitted to display a roof sign or advertise a hire and reward service on the exterior of the vehicle.
"Each class C taxi will be issued with a taxi sign which must be fixed to the nearside of the front windscreen with the taxi licence details facing outwards."
