Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Feb 2001

Vol. 529 No. 3

Written Answers. - Taxi Regulations.

Richard Bruton

Question:

116 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the obligations of persons who obtain taxi plates regarding hours of operation, the making of returns, links to a central booking system and vehicle standards; and if he will outline their current obligations and those which he plans to introduce in the medium term in order to ensure the provision of a quality service offering reasonable income. [2817/01]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

The Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations, 2000, establish a revised regime for taxi licensing.

The new regime includes measures directed at an improved quality of service, such as yearly testing of all taxi vehicles, instead of two-yearly as previously. Testing is being carried out by the National Car Testing Service and, for an initial period until 30 June 2001, by the Garda. In addition, all taxi vehicles will from 2002 have to be fitted with taximeters capable of issuing automatic receipts.

Existing requirements in the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations, 1963 to 2000 in relation to public service vehicle driver licensing, insurance and the formal specification for a wheelchair accessible taxi continue to apply. In addition, there are existing regulatory requirements in the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963 to 2000 in relation to vehicles to be licensed as taxis, for example, number of doors, seats, passenger accommodation, etc. The same vehicle standards continue to apply to new licence applicants as have applied to applicants prior to the liberalisation of taxi licensing. These do not include requirements as to hours of operation. I have also indicated my intention that, by end 2003, the process will commence of making all taxi vehicles wheelchair accessible.

I look forward to a rapid improvement of taxi services under the new arrangements. In addition, it is intended to consult extensively with representatives of consumer groups, of disabled persons and of taxi service providers to develop further quality improvements for taxi services in the medium term.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

117 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will distinguish between the situation of taxi drivers who, having invested in a single plate, are now incurring significant capital losses and the situation of speculative owners of taxi plates; and the advice that can be given to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [2818/01]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 761, 810, 860 and 861 of 30 January 2001.