Vol. 570 No. 3
234 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Transport if a location (details supplied) is in the meter area for taxis from Dundrum and Dublin city centre; if the cost is based on the meter reading or if taxi drivers and passengers have to agree a fare when travelling to this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19110/03]
Under the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 2002 the declaration, extension or alteration of a taximeter area and the fixing of a maximum taxi fare structure for that area are currently reserved functions of the relevant local authority. In the case of the Dublin taximeter area, following a decision of the four Dublin local authorities, the current taximeter area incorporates the functional areas of the four authorities and any maximum taxi fare structure decided on by the authorities applies within that area. Under the public service vehicle regulations a taxi operating within the taximeter area must calculate taxi fares by reference to a taximeter and must not charge fares for taxi services within that area that exceed the maximum fare set for such services by the local authority. In the case of hirings that commence within a taximeter area and terminate at a location outside of that area, a taxi vehicle is not currently obliged to take such hirings. However, where such hirings are made, the fare to be charged and-or the manner in which it is to be charged should be agreed in advance with the person who is making the hiring.
