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| Garda source says driver shortage causing anger and violence http://www.taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=39052 |
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| Author: | StuartW [ Tue Dec 13, 2022 12:19 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Garda source says driver shortage causing anger and violence |
Nothing particularly new here from Dublin, but for a change it's a Garda source who's complaining, rather than punters, the hospitality sector, or the trade. But it's an anonymous source, surprise, surprise. Dearth of taxis leads to anger and violence on streets late at night https://www.independent.ie/regionals/du ... 10903.html The demand for taxis in Dublin city centre has trebled this month, but many people are being left stranded late at night because of a shortage of cab drivers. “There is a major taxi shortage in Dublin in particular, post-Covid,” a source in one of the capital’s busiest garda districts said. “This is essentially the first Christmas in three years that people have been able to properly enjoy the festivities. People have no problem getting into town, mainly taking public transport. “But it’s getting home, sometimes with a considerable amount of alcohol on board, that’s causing the problem. It is not just a headache for the general public — it’s having a real impact on late-night policing.” The source said there has been a sharp rise in public order incidents over the past fortnight in the capital, and added: “As the saying goes, ‘When drink is in, sense is out’. People are standing at taxi ranks for hours on end and frustrations are boiling over. “With too much alcohol consumed, people are getting into arguments with strangers, and that sometimes descends into violence. We have increasingly seen this in recent weeks. “These are people who want to go home — and gardaí want them to go safely home too — but they are essentially stranded. “There has been a threefold increase in the numbers of people in town so far this month, both during the day and at night. That’s a massive increase. “This problem is not unique to Dublin city. I believe many urban areas are impacted similarly this Christmas.” The source said that while “not enough taxis is the main issue”, more taxi ranks are needed to reduce large numbers queuing at busy ranks such as College Green. “The South Quays has a 24-hour bus lane, as does the North Quays. Why can’t they be converted to taxi ranks late at night when the buses are finished? “It would make a lot of sense and disperse the crowds gathering at the well-established ranks.” The Irish Taxi Drivers Federation was contacted, but no one was available for comment. However, a driver who has worked in Dublin for more than 20 years said Covid and lockdowns “changed the game” and forced drivers to leave “in their droves”. “Covid essentially made a significant amount of drivers temporarily unemployed. The country just shut down, there was no work,” he said. “Taxi drivers are self-employed, so we had to look elsewhere to earn a living. Many drivers took delivery jobs, and many of those drivers realised that delivery driving is far preferable to working as a taxi driver. So a significant proportion of people never came back to the job. “I personally wouldn’t go near Dublin city at night. There are too many people with drink taken, which can make it difficult to get paid or lead to them soiling your car. “I’m hearing from colleagues who do work nights that a lot of customers are angry too because it’s taken them so long to get a cab. It’s just not worth it. “My advice is if you’re going out, plan your journey home and don’t leave it until after midnight.” The garda source said the cold snap that began last week is already leading to more headaches for people trying to get home, as well as affecting frontline policing. “We are trying to move people along, but where can we move them to if they can’t get home? It’s like ushering flocks of sheep around in a circle. The freezing weather is making it worse. The cells in every station is Dublin city will be full this weekend.” |
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| Author: | Sussex [ Tue Dec 13, 2022 10:29 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Garda source says driver shortage causing anger and viol |
Quote: “This is essentially the first Christmas in three years that people have been able to properly enjoy the festivities. People have no problem getting into town, mainly taking public transport. So basically they only want the trade for a few hours a day. Regrettably drivers need to earn for more than those few hours to pay their bills. |
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