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13/12/2002
Public warned over illegal taxis
Christmas is a time for giving but illegal taxi drivers are taking the public for a ride that could end in disaster, the DOE’s Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency has warned.
In the run up to Christmas DVTA officials have announced they are to put into action, alongside the police and custom and excise officers, a clampdown on any illegal or pirate taxi activity.
Stanley Duncan, the Agency’s Chief Executive, said: “It is important that the public are aware of the risks of travelling in illegal taxis, and the steps they should take to ensure their safety.
“Any member of the public using a taxi should check to ensure that it is legal, as their own safety could be placed in jeopardy as a result of using an illegal taxi,” he advised.
The current laws dictate that any legal taxi in Northern Ireland should display a current public service vehicle disc (yellow or ‘H’ in the case of public hire taxis and Green or ‘P’ in the case of private hire taxis) and the driver must have a taxi driver identity badge.
In addition, in Belfast pedestrians are not allowed to 'flag down' or 'hail' a taxi unless it is licensed for public hire in the City of Belfast – which are predominantly London-style hackney carriages.
The enforcement operations will operate in the run up to the Christmas period and will be undertaken jointly with the Police Service of Northern Ireland and Customs and Excise Road Fuel Testing Unit.
The operations will cover the whole of Northern Ireland, but particular attention will be given to Belfast and Londonderry, where the problem of illegal taxis is particularly prevalent.
(AMcE)
In the run up to Christmas DVTA officials have announced they are to put into action, alongside the police and custom and excise officers, a clampdown on any illegal or pirate taxi activity.
Stanley Duncan, the Agency’s Chief Executive, said: “It is important that the public are aware of the risks of travelling in illegal taxis, and the steps they should take to ensure their safety.
“Any member of the public using a taxi should check to ensure that it is legal, as their own safety could be placed in jeopardy as a result of using an illegal taxi,” he advised.
The current laws dictate that any legal taxi in Northern Ireland should display a current public service vehicle disc (yellow or ‘H’ in the case of public hire taxis and Green or ‘P’ in the case of private hire taxis) and the driver must have a taxi driver identity badge.
In addition, in Belfast pedestrians are not allowed to 'flag down' or 'hail' a taxi unless it is licensed for public hire in the City of Belfast – which are predominantly London-style hackney carriages.
The enforcement operations will operate in the run up to the Christmas period and will be undertaken jointly with the Police Service of Northern Ireland and Customs and Excise Road Fuel Testing Unit.
The operations will cover the whole of Northern Ireland, but particular attention will be given to Belfast and Londonderry, where the problem of illegal taxis is particularly prevalent.
(AMcE)
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Use legal taxis this Christmas warns DVTA
DOE’s Driver Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) has called on people to only use legal taxis this Christmas. This year to date DVTA has checked 2,024 taxis resulting in the detection of 583 offences with 230 vehicles unlicensed, and 200 uninsured.
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DOE’s Driver Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) has called on people to only use legal taxis this Christmas. This year to date DVTA has checked 2,024 taxis resulting in the detection of 583 offences with 230 vehicles unlicensed, and 200 uninsured.
28 June 2012
Bus Lanes Could Be Opened To Taxis
The Northern Ireland public will be able to hail private hire taxis on the street when new licensing laws come in. The Department of the Environment has also launched a consultation on whether all taxis should be allowed to use bus lanes, which only some have access to at present.
Bus Lanes Could Be Opened To Taxis
The Northern Ireland public will be able to hail private hire taxis on the street when new licensing laws come in. The Department of the Environment has also launched a consultation on whether all taxis should be allowed to use bus lanes, which only some have access to at present.
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Private Hire Taxis To Be Allowed To Drive In Belfast Bus Lanes
Private hire taxis in Belfast have been permitted to drive in bus lanes for at least a year. The taxis are allowed to use the lanes as part of a new pilot scheme from the Department of Infrastructure.
Private Hire Taxis To Be Allowed To Drive In Belfast Bus Lanes
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19 June 2014
New Taxi Regulations Outlined
From January next year, taxi customers will be able to hail all cabs, black or otherwise, in the street, rather than having to secure a booking beforehand. The news comes as Environment Minister Mark H Durkan outlines the timescales for new legislation affecting taxis to be brought in.
New Taxi Regulations Outlined
From January next year, taxi customers will be able to hail all cabs, black or otherwise, in the street, rather than having to secure a booking beforehand. The news comes as Environment Minister Mark H Durkan outlines the timescales for new legislation affecting taxis to be brought in.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
