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26/06/2007
Taxi drivers face Environment Minister
A new law for taxi drivers in Northern Ireland has went through its second stage of Stormont, in an attempt to improve safety and standards in the industry.
The Taxis Bill will make it easier to clamp down on illegal drivers and will also allow taxis to collect fares without a booking.
Environment Minister Arlene Foster was today confronted by angry Belfast cab drivers at Stormont, who believe the bill would put drivers out of a job and destroy the industry.
Ms Foster, however, told the Assembly she could not see why it would lead to redundancies, as there is a huge demand for taxis in Belfast.
Sean Smith of the Transport and General Workers Union criticised the bill saying: “The DoE are not telling the MLAs the truth, that there are people opposed to this,” Mr Smith said.
“This whole legislation will destroy the taxi industry as we know it in Northern Ireland.
“It’ll create jobs for bureaucrats and civil servants while putting 450 Belfast taxi drivers on the dole.”
Over 200 Belfast public hire taxis drove through the grounds of Stormont this afternoon in response to the Taxis Bill.
However, it is understood drivers in the private hire sector are more supportive.
The bill, which may be amended at committee stage, is intended to regulate operators, drivers and vehicles to ensure best practice and safety and require a receipt providing meter to be installed in all cabs.
(JM)
The Taxis Bill will make it easier to clamp down on illegal drivers and will also allow taxis to collect fares without a booking.
Environment Minister Arlene Foster was today confronted by angry Belfast cab drivers at Stormont, who believe the bill would put drivers out of a job and destroy the industry.
Ms Foster, however, told the Assembly she could not see why it would lead to redundancies, as there is a huge demand for taxis in Belfast.
Sean Smith of the Transport and General Workers Union criticised the bill saying: “The DoE are not telling the MLAs the truth, that there are people opposed to this,” Mr Smith said.
“This whole legislation will destroy the taxi industry as we know it in Northern Ireland.
“It’ll create jobs for bureaucrats and civil servants while putting 450 Belfast taxi drivers on the dole.”
Over 200 Belfast public hire taxis drove through the grounds of Stormont this afternoon in response to the Taxis Bill.
However, it is understood drivers in the private hire sector are more supportive.
The bill, which may be amended at committee stage, is intended to regulate operators, drivers and vehicles to ensure best practice and safety and require a receipt providing meter to be installed in all cabs.
(JM)
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15 August 2006
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New laws to improve NI taxis
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28 October 2014
New Test For Taxi Drivers Introduced
A test for new taxi drivers is to be introduced later this week, it has been announced. From 31 October, new taxi drivers will be required to pass a Taxi Driver Theory and Practical Driving Test, the DOE has said. The test will affect new entrants to the industry.
New Test For Taxi Drivers Introduced
A test for new taxi drivers is to be introduced later this week, it has been announced. From 31 October, new taxi drivers will be required to pass a Taxi Driver Theory and Practical Driving Test, the DOE has said. The test will affect new entrants to the industry.
19 June 2014
New Taxi Regulations Outlined
From January next year, taxi customers will be able to hail all cabs, black or otherwise, in the street, rather than having to secure a booking beforehand. The news comes as Environment Minister Mark H Durkan outlines the timescales for new legislation affecting taxis to be brought in.
New Taxi Regulations Outlined
From January next year, taxi customers will be able to hail all cabs, black or otherwise, in the street, rather than having to secure a booking beforehand. The news comes as Environment Minister Mark H Durkan outlines the timescales for new legislation affecting taxis to be brought in.
24 November 2020
Black Taxis Should Be Supported Like Translink - SF
Belfast Black Taxis should benefit from the same financial support being offered to Translink, Sinn Féin have said The party has called for an urgent meeting between the Belfast Black Taxi Association and Minister for Infrastructure Nicola Mallon on support for the public transport service.
Black Taxis Should Be Supported Like Translink - SF
Belfast Black Taxis should benefit from the same financial support being offered to Translink, Sinn Féin have said The party has called for an urgent meeting between the Belfast Black Taxi Association and Minister for Infrastructure Nicola Mallon on support for the public transport service.
18 April 2005
Christian taxi firm forced to close
Ulster Unionist West Belfast councillor Chris McGimpsey has said he is “absolutely appalled” at the forced closure of the Christian taxi firm, Liberty. The Shankill Road firm, which was run by Pastor Jack McKee, was forced to close over the weekend following attacks on both the business and Pastor McKee’s home last week.
Christian taxi firm forced to close
Ulster Unionist West Belfast councillor Chris McGimpsey has said he is “absolutely appalled” at the forced closure of the Christian taxi firm, Liberty. The Shankill Road firm, which was run by Pastor Jack McKee, was forced to close over the weekend following attacks on both the business and Pastor McKee’s home last week.
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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.
