Taxi Driver Online

Northern Ireland has been conducting a Review of Taxi Regulation and it would seem there has been Government agreement on what that regulation should entail? One of the proposals in the review was that a one tier system should be introduced and reading the following article from the Daily Mirror it would seem that option has been accepted.

The article doesn't actually mention what we term as de-restriction or deregulation of numbers but reading between the lines that is the case. Perhaps someone else could shed some light on the matter.

Here is a link to the NI Equality Commission response to the review.

http://www.equalityni.org/uploads/word/ ... eg1103.doc
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The Mirror

August 16, 2006 Wednesday

Ulster Edition

HEADLINE: FARE DEAL; WE'LL BE ABLE TO HAIL A CAB .. JUST LIKE NY

BYLINE: BY ZOE WATSON

TRAVELLERS in Belfast will be able to hail a taxi New York-style under new government proposals unveiled yesterday.

The proposals form part of a major shake-up of the industry announced by Northern Ireland Office Environment Minister David Cairns.

Tourists have long complained they can't hail cabs in the street in the city, while weekend revellers are forced to phone taxis and queue. The proposal has been welcomed by the Belfast Welcome Centre that promotes tourism in the city.

A spokesman said: "We welcome anything that improves the service for consumers, be they tourists or locals. "If visitors to Belfast are used to a service where they can hail a cab in the street then it is good that we can offer that same service here."

At present, only four per cent of city taxis can be hailed in the street - but these normally work out of the airports and train stations. It's illegal for a taxi to pick up a passenger without a phone booking - but still revellers line streets every weekend in a bid to hail them.

Under the new legislation, new taxi drivers in Northern Ireland will be required to take a special driving test, while unlicensed taxis could be stopped and seized.

The minister confirmed that companies here would also have to apply maximum fare rates for all taxis under proposals which should be in place by March next year. He added: "Taxi users will get a much better deal as a result of changes.

"It will be easier for them to find out what fare they should be charged and how it has been worked out. "There will be a lot less confusion about different types of taxis and when they are allowed to pick up passengers."

Under the Government's proposals, which will go out to consultation until November 7, the PSNI and the Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency will be given new powers to clamp down on the illegal taxi trade.

As well as having the power to stop and search unlicensed taxis, they will be able to inspect premises where it is suspected taxi services are operating without a proper license and impose fines up to pounds 2,500.

At present only the taxi association cabs that operate in North and West Belfast are permitted to pick up passengers along the roadside.

Stephen Long of the North and West Belfast Taxi Association said: "Our service is unique and was recognised as such with the taxi/bus licence that we were allocated.

"However I welcome the fact the regulations will now be streamlined, the current legislation is confusing for customers."

Voice of the Mirror

ulster@mirror.co.uk

The Mirror

August 16, 2006 Wednesday

Ulster Edition

HEADLINE: VOICE OF THE DAILY MIRROR: 'TAXI' FOR OLD HIRE SYSTEM

PROBABLY the finest public transport system in the world evolved in Belfast.

Black taxis would take you anywhere you wanted to go - as long as it was up the Falls or Shankill Roads. But that was about the last taxi breakthrough the city has seen.

Its private hire cab system has long been a mess, leaving tourists and clubbers alike abandoned on kerbs. Yesterday's government proposals to standardise the system are long overdue.

The meter's running - so let's hope they are implemented soon.
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Belfast Telegraph

August 16, 2006 Wednesday

HEADLINE: Why we'll fare better with taxis; It will be easier for people to find out what fare they should be charged and how it was worked out

BYLINE: By Matthew McCreary

Plans to shake up Northern Ireland's taxi industry have met with approval from several local cab firm bosses.

Details of the proposals were unveiled yesterday by Environment Minister David Cairns and, if given the go-ahead, will see major changes in how local companies operate.

One of the most radical reforms will allow customers to hail cabs from the street without having to make a booking.

Taxis would also be required to have a meter and companies would have to apply maximum fare rates. There would be a special driving test for all new taxi drivers, and customer service training. Mr Cairns said it will be easier for customers to find out what fare they should be charged and how it has been worked out. "There will be a lot less confusion about different types of taxi and when they are allowed to pick up passengers," he said.

Stephen McCausland, director of Value Cabs, said the introduction of such measures would be beneficial for customers. "If they decide to go for a specific company they will know what kind of driver and what kind of car they'll get," he said.

The authorities are also to be given greater powers to stamp down on the illegal taxi trade by seizing unlicensed vehicles and imposing fines of up to £2,500.

William McCausland, managing director of Fon-A-Cab, welcome this aspect of the plans. "If (operators) are letting uninsured or unlicensed drivers work for them then they have to be accountable for that," he said. "Anything that regulates the industry more effectively and improves standards has to be welcomed." However, Stephen Long from the West Belfast Taxi Association questioned whether his type of cab, which operated under a 'taxi bus plate' and charged low fares for multiple occupancy vehicles, should have meters installed.

He said: "We carry some five million passengers a year and the whole concept of the association, and the Shankill Taxi Association, for the last 30 years has been low fares. I would envisage we would be exempt from metering." The crackdown on illegal operators has also been welcomed by those who believe it will help boost public safety.

Charlene Moore from the Nexus Institute, which provides counselling for victims of sexual abuse and rape, said: "If a young girl comes out of a bar or club and hasn't booked a taxi they could just be left on the side of the street, so if it's easier for them to get taxis then I think this is a welcome step."

The Government's proposals are out for consultation until November 7, with plans for legislation to be introduced by next spring.
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Irish News

August 16, 2006 Wednesday

HEADLINE: Black Taxi drivers concern at proposed new legislation

BYLINE: Staff Reporter

Private taxi drivers have hailed proposed new legislation which will allow them to pick up fares on the street.

The move is part of a new system aimed a clamping down on illegal cabbies. Private taxi drivers are prohibited from picking up on the street but this will be relaxed under tough new laws to regulate taxis.

However, public cabbies have expressed concern over this aspect of the proposals. At present black taxis, who operated on a multi-occupancy shared fare system, can pick up fares on the streets. Stephen Long of the West Belfast Black Taxi Association believes consumers could lose out.

Most public taxis are the black cabs which operate from Belfast City Hall, the Europa Hotel and George Best Belfast City Airport. Those which carry a T Plate, which operate privately in Belfast but public hire elsewhere, can be any other type of car or multi-purpose vehicle. Other measures under the new legislation, due to be introduced by March next year following a five-month consultation period, will include:

- taxi businesses must have an operator licensing

- all cabs must have metres

- all drivers must pass a taxi driving test

- some taxis can operate shared service, charging individual passengers separately, but cheaper than normal fares

- all taxi drivers must have relevant training, and operators must provide cabs designed to meet the needs of the elderly and those with disabilities.

Police will also have enhanced powers and will be able to stop and seize unlicensed taxis.

Operators could face a £2,500 fine if they are caught operating without a licence.

Mr Long also warned of any plans to allow private cabs to use bus lanes which black taxis can also do.

"The consumers need to be made aware of what is what. The regulations did need changed, but it needs to be done properly," he said.

A private hire cabbie, who did not want to be named, welcomed the prospect of being able to pick up a fare on the streets. "The black taxis are complaining. They are also allowed to use the bus lanes but we can't but we are hoping we will be able to," he said.

"It (new legislation) will be a good thing. Years ago we used to have to do a test then they opened the flood gates. It is good there is a taxi driving test."

NIO minister with responsibility for the environment David Cairns said: "Taxi users will get a much better deal as a result of changes that this new legislation will allow us to bring in. "It will be easier for them to find out what fare they should be charged and how it has been worked out. "There will be a lot less confusion about different types of taxis and whey they are allowed to pick passengers.

"Taxi operators and drivers will be expected to raise their game by getting relevant training and becoming much more focused on meeting customer needs. "These proposals have the potential to deliver the most significant reform of taxi regulation for many years and bring major benefits to the trade and to everyone who uses its services."

Alliance councillor Tom Campbell said: "The new laws will boost legitimate taxi drivers and will deliver a better deal for the public."
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I don't think there's ever been quantity controls in NI.

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Taxi Driver Online
www.taxi-driver.co.uk

Reading all the articles that would seem the case.

To put some meat on the bones it would appear they are going to have one licensing system rather than two and included in the proposed legislation will be a clause outlawing any vehicle that isn't licensed under this one system?

What is unclear to me is who can use Taxi Ranks, Stations and Airports? The articles mention that any licensed vehicle can pick up off the street but I haven't seen any mention of ranking up at the places I mentioned?

Obviously we haven't read the proposals but what's your take on the information so far provided in these press articles?

Regards

JD

IIRC there was stuff in the OFT report about the NI regime, and it did seem rather different to both the regimes on the GB mainland which when compared with the NI system seemed rather similar.

I suppose this, coupled with the often misleading nature of newspaper articles on the trade means that the source documentation would be the place to go for illumination, but bags it's not me

The NI office might have a press release or two which might shed some light without doing too much searching?

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Taxi Driver Online
www.taxi-driver.co.uk

An idea I've had for a sort of single-tier system is for one-tier qualifications for all drivers, but a choice of WAV or saloons, but only the WAVs would be allowed to use ranks. That would to a large extent take care of the WAV and accessibility issues (ie that saloon cars are still required by some passengers) while retaining choice for drivers.

Perhaps the NI proposal is something like this, and maybe the saloons would be allowed to pick up hails, but not sit on ranks.

But I don't think this would really be enforceable, but then again the current UK mainland system is the same to a large extent, but this semi single-tier system would have several advantages over the current mess.

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Taxi Driver Online
www.taxi-driver.co.uk

I've found a link to the proposals and there is no doubt that this legislation will become law next year.

http://www.doeni.gov.uk/foi/search/docu ... p?doc=9942

The section that clarifies potential restrictive options comes under Chapter 1 "Requirement for operator's licence".

4. - (1) "Any person may apply to the Department for an operator’s licence".

(2) An application under this Article shall state the address, which shall be in Northern Ireland, of any premises which the applicant proposes to use as an operating centre.

(3) An operator’s licence may be granted in respect of the operation of different types of taxi service.

(4) The Department shall grant an operator’s licence to the applicant if it is
satisfied that⎯

(a) the applicant⎯

(i) is a fit and proper person to hold an operator’s licence; and

(ii) meets any further requirements that may be prescribed; and

(b) any further requirements that may be prescribed (which may include requirements relating to operating centres) are met.

(5) An operator’s licence shall be granted subject to such conditions as may be prescribed and such other conditions as the Department may think fit (including, without prejudice to the generality of this paragraph, conditions specifying the maximum number of taxis or the maximum or minimum number or percentage of taxis of different classes or different classes of use for or in respect of which a taxi operator may operate a taxi service at any one time).

(6) An operator’s licence shall ------

(a) specify the address of any premises in Northern Ireland which the licensed operator may use as an operating centre;

(b) be in such form and contain such particulars as the Department may think fit.

(7) An operator’s licence shall be granted for five years or such shorter period as may be prescribed or such shorter period as the Department may consider appropriate in the circumstances of the case.

8. An applicant for an operator’s licence may appeal to a court of summary
jurisdiction against⎯

(a) a decision not to grant such a licence;

(b) a decision not to specify an address proposed in the application as an
operating centre;

(c) a decision to grant such a licence in respect of the operation of a particular type of taxi service; or

(d) any condition (other than a prescribed condition) to which the licence is
subject.
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Response from Trade elements.

http://taxi-reg.home.att.net/prop.pdf
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It would appear that the operator's license is akin to a Private hire operator's license in England and Wales. The proposed legislation makes the distinction between Taxi owners, Taxi Drivers and Operators. I'll have to read and digest it because the document repeatedly contradicts itself.

For instance, it states at 15....(1) The owner of any taxi may apply to the Department for a taxi licence for that taxi.

If the vehicle is already a Taxi why would it need to apply for a Taxi license?

Surely it should have read "the owner of any vehicle" may apply to the Department for a taxi licence for that vehicle.

This presumption of a Taxi being a Taxi before it is licensed, rather than a vehicle, runs right through this proposed legislation.

Regards

JD

Maybe that bit only applies to vehicles with an existing taxi license?

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Taxi Driver Online
www.taxi-driver.co.uk

It certainly doesn't read that way.
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REGULATION OF TAXIS Requirement for taxi licence

14..(1) A taxi shall not be used in standing or plying for hire or reward or to carry passengers for hire or reward except under a licence which is in force for that taxi (in this Order referred to as a “taxi licence”).

(2) The driver of a taxi and the taxi operator for or in respect of a taxi used in contravention of this Article are each guilty of an offence.

(3) The owner of a taxi who permits it to be used in contravention of this Article is guilty of an offence.

(4) It is a defence in proceedings for an offence under paragraph (2) for the driver or operator to show that he exercised all due diligence to prevent the taxi being used in contravention of this Article.
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Taxi licences

“taxi licence” means a licence under Article 15

15..(1) The owner of any taxi may apply to the Department for a taxi licence for that taxi.

(2) A taxi licence may be granted in respect of.

(a) taxis of such different classes as may be prescribed; and

(b) such different classes of use of taxis as may be prescribed.

(3) The Department shall grant a taxi licence for a taxi if it is satisfied that.

(a) the taxi.

(i) is suitable in such type, size and design as may be prescribed for use in standing or plying for hire or reward or to carry passengers for hire or reward;

(ii) meets such conditions as may be prescribed to ensure that it is safe, comfortable and in a suitable mechanical condition for that use; and

(iii) meets any further requirements or conditions that may be prescribed;

(b) there is in force in relation to the use of the taxi a policy of insurance or such security as complies with the requirements of Part VIII of the 1981 Order; and

(c) any further requirements that may be prescribed are met.

(4) A taxi licence may not be granted in respect of more than one taxi.

(5) A taxi licence shall be granted subject to such conditions as may be prescribed and such other conditions as the Department may think fit.

(6) A taxi licence shall be in such form and shall contain such particulars as the Department may think fit.

(7) A taxi licence shall be granted for one year or for such shorter period as the Department may consider appropriate in the circumstances of the case.

8. An applicant for a taxi licence may appeal to a court of summary jurisdiction against.

(a) a decision not to grant such a licence;
(b) a decision to grant such a licence in respect of a particular class of taxi or a particular class of use of taxi; or
(c) any condition (other than a prescribed condition) to which the licence is subject.

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