‘Particulardisparity in NW taxi fares’

The Minister was asked whether he will review the calibration of proposed new taxi meters to reflect local economic constraints in areas such as Londonderry.

Last autumn the Department of the Environment (DoE) consulted proposals to introduce a Northern Ireland wide maximum taxi fare.

Linked to this was a proposed requirement to have all taxis fitted with taximeters.

Mr Attwood stated: “The proposed maximum fare was calculated on the basis that drivers would be able to cover their costs and make a reasonable living.

“This fare was to be set as a maximum to prevent overcharging of customers; drivers would be able to decide on and offer lower fares if they wished.

“From responses to the consultation, it is clear that current fare levels across Northern Ireland vary significantly as does the customer’s experience and expectation on the level of charges.”

He remarked that this disparity in taxi fares was particularly marked in Londonderry.

“There is a particular disparity in fares in the North West and the Department is considering a range of options to address this. Responses to the consultation suggested that the taxi industry would prefer to have taximeters pre-calibrated with the discounted fare rate of their choice; the Department is considering

how best to provide for this within the regulatory framework.

“Officials are currently completing analysis of the responses to the consultation and, based on this work, I will make my decision on the most appropriate means of bringing forward proposals that will deliver a safe and fit for purpose taxi industry in Northern Ireland that allows those involved in it to make a living from it,” he stated.

Last year local taximan Eamon O’Donnell of the North West Taxi Proprietors (NWTP) said it was shocking the DoE had allowed gaps in taxi licensing regulation despite a decades-long bid to tighten up the industry.

Mr O’Donnell said greater regulation was needed and urged the DoE to pursue supplementary legislation to the recently passed Taxis Act 2008 in order to ensure ‘illegal taxis’ were clamped down on - if that was necessary.