Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 28 Feb 1990

Vol. 396 No. 4

Written Answers. - Public Service Vehicle Advertising.

Andrew Boylan

Ceist:

65 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for the Environment the reason persons in the small taxi business who own small public vehicles are not entitled to advertise on the bus in print form; his views on whether this form of advertising is a necessity to small business people who have no other source of income in order to advertise; the reason for the difference between advertising on a large public service vehicle and a small public service vehicle having regard to the fact that both serve the same purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn)

Small public service vehicles may be licensed as either public hire or private hire vehicles.

Public hire operations (by taxis or cabs) are limited to specified areas. As the operation of such vehicles is based on their availability "on street", it is considered that some form of identification of these vehicles is necessary. In the case of taxis, a standard roof sign must be displayed which comprises the word "taxi", licence number and a section which may be used for advertising.

Operators of private hire vehicles (i.e. hackneys) are prohibited by public service vehicle regulations from displaying any sign, advertising or telephone number on their vehicle which relates to the service they give. This service is essentially private in nature and depends on prior agreement between client and operator. Unlike public hire operators, private hirings are not subject to geographical restrictions.

I do not propose to alter this situation.