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13/12/2002
Public warned over illegal taxis
Christmas is a time for giving but illegal taxi drivers are taking the public for a ride that could end in disaster, the DOE’s Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency has warned.
In the run up to Christmas DVTA officials have announced they are to put into action, alongside the police and custom and excise officers, a clampdown on any illegal or pirate taxi activity.
Stanley Duncan, the Agency’s Chief Executive, said: “It is important that the public are aware of the risks of travelling in illegal taxis, and the steps they should take to ensure their safety.
“Any member of the public using a taxi should check to ensure that it is legal, as their own safety could be placed in jeopardy as a result of using an illegal taxi,” he advised.
The current laws dictate that any legal taxi in Northern Ireland should display a current public service vehicle disc (yellow or ‘H’ in the case of public hire taxis and Green or ‘P’ in the case of private hire taxis) and the driver must have a taxi driver identity badge.
In addition, in Belfast pedestrians are not allowed to 'flag down' or 'hail' a taxi unless it is licensed for public hire in the City of Belfast – which are predominantly London-style hackney carriages.
The enforcement operations will operate in the run up to the Christmas period and will be undertaken jointly with the Police Service of Northern Ireland and Customs and Excise Road Fuel Testing Unit.
The operations will cover the whole of Northern Ireland, but particular attention will be given to Belfast and Londonderry, where the problem of illegal taxis is particularly prevalent.
(AMcE)
In the run up to Christmas DVTA officials have announced they are to put into action, alongside the police and custom and excise officers, a clampdown on any illegal or pirate taxi activity.
Stanley Duncan, the Agency’s Chief Executive, said: “It is important that the public are aware of the risks of travelling in illegal taxis, and the steps they should take to ensure their safety.
“Any member of the public using a taxi should check to ensure that it is legal, as their own safety could be placed in jeopardy as a result of using an illegal taxi,” he advised.
The current laws dictate that any legal taxi in Northern Ireland should display a current public service vehicle disc (yellow or ‘H’ in the case of public hire taxis and Green or ‘P’ in the case of private hire taxis) and the driver must have a taxi driver identity badge.
In addition, in Belfast pedestrians are not allowed to 'flag down' or 'hail' a taxi unless it is licensed for public hire in the City of Belfast – which are predominantly London-style hackney carriages.
The enforcement operations will operate in the run up to the Christmas period and will be undertaken jointly with the Police Service of Northern Ireland and Customs and Excise Road Fuel Testing Unit.
The operations will cover the whole of Northern Ireland, but particular attention will be given to Belfast and Londonderry, where the problem of illegal taxis is particularly prevalent.
(AMcE)
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09 March 2018
Private Hire Taxis To Be Allowed To Drive In Belfast Bus Lanes
Private hire taxis in Belfast have been permitted to drive in bus lanes for at least a year. The taxis are allowed to use the lanes as part of a new pilot scheme from the Department of Infrastructure.
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28 June 2012
Bus Lanes Could Be Opened To Taxis
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
