Minister steps in to combat illegal cabs

Environment Minister Dermot Nesbitt has announced plans to help the travelling public to use legal taxi cabs.

By requiring all licensed taxis to display taxi licence plates, it is hoped that the plans will help the public spot legal taxis and combat the problem of illegal taxiing.

Mr Nesbitt said: “It is proposed that the new system will consist of external plates which will be required to be fitted to the front and rear of a vehicle and internal plates and labels showing licensing details specific to the vehicle.

"They will be colour coded to identify the type of taxi and have a visible expiry date. In addition to existing requirements for the display of roof signs, licence plates will be issued, along with annual taxi vehicle licences, by DVLNI’s, Road Transport Licensing Division.

“The purpose of the new system is to promote greater public confidence. People will be more assured that the taxi in which they intend to travel is licensed. I believe that these proposals will enhance the image of the taxi trade, and go some way to remove freelance illegal operators.”

The closing date for responses to the consultation is October 18, 2002.

The new plates will replace the present yellow and green windscreen discs, which are required to be displayed on taxis. They will also replace the present yellow licence plate, which is issued to Belfast Public Hire Taxis at first licensing.

The new plates will be colour coded to identify the four types of taxi: Belfast Public Hire – Yellow; Public Hire outside Belfast – White; Private Hire (Advance Booking Only) Green; and Taxi Bus – Blue.

The full text of the consultation document can be found on the DVLNI website at www.doeni.gov.uk/dvlni/publications.htm

(SP)