Menu
13/09/2021
New Taxi Action Plan Announced
New support measures have been announced to assist the taxi industry by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon.
The new Taxi Action Plan includes proposals to:
• Wipe DVA fees for new taxi drivers in 2021/22
• A taxi fare review with the consultation launching next week
• Wipe DVA fees for one taxi meter test required to implement a fare change
Making the announcement Minister Mallon said: "I continue to meet and listen carefully to the taxi industry and I am very well aware of the impact of Covid on their business. That is why I provided £16.7millio n of support to existing drivers from the two financial support schemes and regulatory support that I put in place last year. I welcome the fact that business has picked up considerably with the lifting of restrictions, however I recognise that there is currently a shortage of drivers and the sector has asked for my support in encouraging new drivers to join the industry.
"In order to assist the industry to rebuild and to encourage new drivers to enter the business, I am proposing that my Department will provide financial support to cover the fees for new drivers who successfully obtain their taxi driver and vehicle licences from April 21 to March 22. This support from my Department would mean a saving of over £370 for every new driver who successfully passes all the necessary tests to become part of the taxi industry and ensure that I am protecting customers through the provision of a safe taxi service.
"I am also announcing a targeted consultation on a taxi fares review which would address another concern of the industry around profitability and future viability, given that a fares review was last implemented in 2011. In doing so, my Department will consult with the Consumer Council to understand their views and ensure that the interests of customers are fully considered. Should a taxi fares review be implemented following that consultation, I would intend to provide further support to the industry by waiving the fee for the necessary taxi meter test, so that the taxi industry can receive the full benefit of any change to taxi fares.
"I intend to follow all necessary processes to put these support measures in place, including public expenditure processes, ensuring that I have the necessary budget to make this happen and also proposing the required changes to regulations.
"I want to continue to help the industry during these difficult times. These measures would go some way to address the issues raised by the taxi industry to assist it with recovery from the pandemic and to importantly provide support to attract new drivers to the industry."
The new Taxi Action Plan includes proposals to:
• Wipe DVA fees for new taxi drivers in 2021/22
• A taxi fare review with the consultation launching next week
• Wipe DVA fees for one taxi meter test required to implement a fare change
Making the announcement Minister Mallon said: "I continue to meet and listen carefully to the taxi industry and I am very well aware of the impact of Covid on their business. That is why I provided £16.7millio n of support to existing drivers from the two financial support schemes and regulatory support that I put in place last year. I welcome the fact that business has picked up considerably with the lifting of restrictions, however I recognise that there is currently a shortage of drivers and the sector has asked for my support in encouraging new drivers to join the industry.
"In order to assist the industry to rebuild and to encourage new drivers to enter the business, I am proposing that my Department will provide financial support to cover the fees for new drivers who successfully obtain their taxi driver and vehicle licences from April 21 to March 22. This support from my Department would mean a saving of over £370 for every new driver who successfully passes all the necessary tests to become part of the taxi industry and ensure that I am protecting customers through the provision of a safe taxi service.
"I am also announcing a targeted consultation on a taxi fares review which would address another concern of the industry around profitability and future viability, given that a fares review was last implemented in 2011. In doing so, my Department will consult with the Consumer Council to understand their views and ensure that the interests of customers are fully considered. Should a taxi fares review be implemented following that consultation, I would intend to provide further support to the industry by waiving the fee for the necessary taxi meter test, so that the taxi industry can receive the full benefit of any change to taxi fares.
"I intend to follow all necessary processes to put these support measures in place, including public expenditure processes, ensuring that I have the necessary budget to make this happen and also proposing the required changes to regulations.
"I want to continue to help the industry during these difficult times. These measures would go some way to address the issues raised by the taxi industry to assist it with recovery from the pandemic and to importantly provide support to attract new drivers to the industry."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 August 2006
New laws to improve NI taxis
The Environment Minister David Cairns has today announced a consultation on new laws to regulate taxis in Northern Ireland.
New laws to improve NI taxis
The Environment Minister David Cairns has today announced a consultation on new laws to regulate taxis in Northern Ireland.
26 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Police Recover Suspected Firearm In Strabane Police recovered a suspected firearm yesterday during a search outside Strabane town in County Tyrone. Detectives from the Police Service's Terrorism Investigation Unit, who are investigating the activities of the New IRA, made the discovery.
Other News In Brief
Police Recover Suspected Firearm In Strabane Police recovered a suspected firearm yesterday during a search outside Strabane town in County Tyrone. Detectives from the Police Service's Terrorism Investigation Unit, who are investigating the activities of the New IRA, made the discovery.
17 November 2021
Taxi Fares To Increase In Effort To Support Industry
A range of measures are to be introduced to address the issues affecting the taxi industry in Northern Ireland, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced. A new support package is to be introduced for new drivers alongside proposed legislation for a 7.6% increase in the maximum taxi fare.
Taxi Fares To Increase In Effort To Support Industry
A range of measures are to be introduced to address the issues affecting the taxi industry in Northern Ireland, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced. A new support package is to be introduced for new drivers alongside proposed legislation for a 7.6% increase in the maximum taxi fare.
07 July 2021
Support Measures For Taxi Industry Backed
The NI Assembly has given its backing to a motion calling for measures to support the taxi industry. Welcoming support of the motion, Chair of the Infrastructure Committee Jonathan Buckley said: "The Covid pandemic has taken a significant toll on the taxi industry, but they face continued challenges coming out of lockdown.
Support Measures For Taxi Industry Backed
The NI Assembly has given its backing to a motion calling for measures to support the taxi industry. Welcoming support of the motion, Chair of the Infrastructure Committee Jonathan Buckley said: "The Covid pandemic has taken a significant toll on the taxi industry, but they face continued challenges coming out of lockdown.
13 November 2020
New Support Fund Announced For Taxi-Drivers
A new £14 million support scheme for taxi-drivers has been announced by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon.
New Support Fund Announced For Taxi-Drivers
A new £14 million support scheme for taxi-drivers has been announced by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
