Taxi Driver Online

The Mirror

April 9, 2008 Wednesday

HAIL NEW TAXI LAW

CRACKDOWN ON CROOKED CABBIES

PUNTERS have been doing it for years - but now you can legally flag down a cab for the first time.

The Taxis Bill will bring Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK and Europe.

Another key element of the new legislation will target rogue operators as new licensing requirements come into play.

Environment Minister Arlene Foste said it was the "first major reform of the taxi industry for almost 40 years".

She added: "By providing for tough action on illegal operators, the bill will also benefit the many reputable taxi depots and licensed drivers already committed to providing excellent services to their customers."

Last night Northern Ireland's largest private hire taxi operator welcomed the legislation. Value Cabs director Stephen McCausland told the Mirror: "I think it's good news for customers. For a start people being able to flag down a taxi on the road is overdue and brings us into line with the rest of Europe.

"As the fact that up until now anyone could open a taxi firm had to be changed, again for the good of customers.

"I would imagine some operators may drop out of taxiing as they would not like to be regulated."

A DoE spokesman said the leglislatio is expected to come into law within weeks.

He added: "The first changes people can expect to see starting later this year are stronger enforcement powers to combat illegal taxis.

"This will be followed, beginning in 2009, by the introduction of taxi operator licensing.

"Other future developments include proposals to make it easier for disabled people to book and use taxis, to require all taxis to have taximeters, and to allow all taxis in Belfast to pick up passengers without a booking."
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You could always hail a Taxi in Belfast, they're called Belfast Licensed Taxi's.

I wonder if the Minicab man will be so pleased when he loses control of his PH cars as they ignore the Radio and his current customers wait for their pre-booked motors?

Does this mean that PH can be flagged as well or just taxis