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)