PROPOSED changes to taxi legislation could lead to hundreds of new jobs being created, it has been claimed by a new group representing drivers.
The recently formed Northern Ireland Taxis (NIT) met infrastructure minister Chris Hazzard this week to discuss a “full and comprehensive” review of laws surrounding how taxis in the north operate and how licences are granted.
The Sinn Féin minister announced the review following his meeting with NIT, which represents around 4,000 drivers and members of whom include Chris McCausland, the managing director of Value Cabs.
Drivers want to hammer out changes to legislation introduced in 2008 on what “class” of licence must be used, and how new recruits can enter the industry.
Alterations to this could lead to the creation of at least 250 jobs, NIT has insisted – although this is a “conservative” figure, according to spokesman Eamon O’Donnell.
“It is refreshing to meet a minister that listens and promptly acts on the concerns of the local taxi industry,” said Mr O’Donnell, of North West Taxi Proprietors.
“We raised concerns including ‘Class C’ which was intended for use by wedding, funeral, and novelty vehicles and not as a general taxi class.
“Under the current legislation, there is a loophole that can allow some people to misuse a Class C licence, when it’s not intended for their type of vehicle. We want this tidied up in terms of how the laws work for drivers.”
Mr O’Donnell added: “We discussed job creation within our industry, and we believe that should changes be made on how new drivers can be recruited then you could see around 250 jobs created quite fast – and to honest, that’s probably a conservative figure.
“We are in an era of huge development in our tourism industry, and as this grows, so too does the need for adequate taxi services.”
Speaking after the meeting the minister said the Class C issue would be resolved “promptly” and promised new proposals would be brought forward for public consultation next spring.
“Much work has already been carried out to help build a safe and professional taxi industry that benefits the hundreds of operators, drivers and administrative staff who work in the industry and to the hundreds of thousands of people who use taxis regularly,” he said.
“There are still many challenges ahead, however, I am determined to support and grow the industry through legislation that protects the industry itself and its customers.”
Meanwhile, another issue discussed by the group surrounded the installation of meters and printers in taxis with the minister insisting metering “remains a central plank of how taxis will be regulated in the future”.
One Belfast-based public hire taxi driver, who did not want to be named, said he was disappointed.
“We have to pay almost £500 for new signs, metres, and even printers, though I can’t remember the last time a customer asked for a receipt,” he said.
“We also have to take time off to pay someone to train me to be a taxi driver – a job I’ve been doing 30 years. It’s insulting.”
