Taxi Driver Online

Stormont Executive press release - Department of the Environment

Environment Minister Alex Attwood has announced that single tier licensing for taxis will be put back until September 2014.

Single tier licensing was originally intended to come into effect in September 2013 and would have meant that the public would have been able to pick up any taxi in Belfast without having to pre book.

The Department of the Environment (DOE) launched a consultation on single tier arrangements between 8 May and 5 June 2013. Concerns were raised during the consultation process. The Environment Committee also raised concerns regarding implementing single tier licensing in advance of a suite of legislation relating to the restructuring of the taxi industry in Northern Ireland.

Alex Attwood said: “My strategy has been to work with all of the taxi industry to do the best for the taxi industry. This has meant, despite some political criticism, that I slowed down the roll out of taxi reform, to reduce cost and administrative burden.

“Very late on in this process, some in the industry have said that the big reform coming together in 2014, rather than rolled out over 2013 and 2014 is better. The arguments have come late but some of the arguments are good.

“I have listened to the concerns raised in the consultation process. I have listened to the Environment Committee, particularly regarding their recommendation that the suite of changes should come together as a cohesive and coordinated package. Therefore, I have decided that rather than bringing in single tier licensing this year, it will be implemented in 2014 along with a suite of legislation to reform the Northern Ireland taxi industry.”

The suite of legislation will include provisions for a regulated taxi fare and taxi meter system which will make it mandatory for all taxis to adhere to regulated fare and meter requirements; taxi vehicle regulations which will include a wheelchair accessibility specification and a separate licensing regime for contracted services such as limousines and wedding cars; and the introduction of a driving test for new drivers and periodic training for all taxi drivers.

The Minister continued: “I have also listened to the views of the taxi industry on this particular issue including those views from the Private Hire, Belfast Public Hire, Public Hire outside Belfast, and Taxi bus sectors as well as the Consumer Council, voluntary and disability organisations such as IMTAC and Disability Action. I am committed to introducing all elements of the taxi reform programme together, including single tier licensing, in 2014.

“To help get the taxis industry right, I am also initiating a new stream of work. This will aim to work with Belfast Public Hire taxis drivers to build up their business model, learn from other taxis models, identify ways and means to protect Belfast Public Hire interests, enhance training and business skills for drivers. This will help Belfast Public Hire. This will help the taxi industry."

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Obviously a controversial, arrogant and egotistic chap such as myself may well point out I did offer advice a couple of years ago - I mentioned for instance that they were in the throes of f*cking everything up.

But what do I know???

F*ck all according to my National association.

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

It's going to be an awful muddle of a guddle over there...why would they think of doing that, it'll hurt everybody and help nobody.

This has always confused me, if they all become taxis and there is no such thing as private hire will that open the doors for unlicensed vehicles that just take phone work

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

The simple thought that they may to all intents and purposes "may be quite mad" hasn't been brought into your mind-set - if you approach everything like that - you may get nearer the truth

arrogant and egotistic - ffs - how dare they pick on the f*cking obvious

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Environment Minister Alex Attwood under fire as plans to reform taxis are delayed for a year



Taxi driver protest at Stormont 7/11/2006

The Environment Minister has been slammed by a leading taxi firm after he announced that new regulations have been delayed for a year.

Alex Attwood had previously said that ‘single tier licensing’ for taxis would be introduced this September — but now this will be delayed until September 2014.

Single tier licensing would allow members of the public to legally hail private taxis on the street, without having to pre-book them as currently required.

At the moment, only public hire black taxis can be legally flagged down. The move had been welcomed as good news for customers, as it would increase both safety and convenience — but black taxi firms were furious at the prospect of increased competition.

Bill Peden, managing director of the East Belfast Taxi Group, said the 12-month delay had been made virtually inevitable after the minister decided to introduce the new regulations in stages — in the wrong order.

He said that the introduction of single tier licensing before making meters compulsory in all private taxis would have allowed illegal drivers to take advantage of customers.

“I believe that all taxis should have a regulated meter,” he said.

“Since we introduced them a few years ago, I don’t believe we have had any complaints about fares.

“He didn’t think it through. Now I think the minister has finally seen that by putting the cart before the horse, he was creating an opportunity for rogue taxis to charge what they wanted.”

The Department of the Environment said it had listened to concerns during a consultation process.

Mr Attwood said: “My strategy has been do the best for the taxi industry. This has meant, despite some political criticism, that I slowed down the roll-out of taxi reform, to reduce cost and administrative burden.”

Quotes

“I have listened to the concerns raised in the consultation process. I have listened to the environment committee. Therefore, I have decided that rather than bringing in single tier licensing this year, it will be implemented in 2014 along with a suite of legislation to reform the Northern Ireland taxi industry.”

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/ ... 78803.html

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

So in 2014 private taxis will be able to be flagged down the same as purpose built public taxis can now? Is there anything in the new legislation to encourage the purchase of a purpose built taxi because if there isn't why would any sane person buy one?

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

Only in Ireland could a Single tier set up compose of two tiers of Transport types.

When you read through the act you can see who the main beneficiaries will be - you can also see from a mile off how unenforceable the new system will be.

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Not sure it is a system, It's more a free for all.

Yep - you got it in one

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Clearly the current private hire circuit owners, but, that is who will be the main benefactors of our new legislation, so it's kind of expected.

_________________
Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

Yes - but clearly its all b*llshit

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

I guess that's one way to put it

_________________
Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!