Sinn Fein (McMullan) ask questions in N.I. Assembly

Oliver McMullan (Sinn Féin)
2. asked the Minister of the Environment whether he fears that a single-tier licensing system would make the taxi industry less accountable, given that all taxis would be available to be hailed. (AQT 332/11-15)


Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party)
Thank you for that question, Mr McMullan.  The move towards single-tier taxi legislation was due to be complete by September 2013.  However, with the agreement of the Environment Committee, my predecessor decided to postpone the implementation until September 2014 in order to give the industry and those within it time to prepare for the implementation so that its impact will be less onerous on operators and drivers, and it will be more affordable for them. 

As regards the implications of the move towards a single-tier system on competition, I have met several dozen taxi drivers and representatives of taxi drivers and companies and heard many concerns and views.  It is complicated legislation, and it is important legislation, which will improve standards in the industry and improve accessibility, particularly for those with a disability.  I am determined that we use the year that we have bought through postponing the implementation of the legislation to ensure that we get it right.  I am happy to work with those representatives of the taxi industry and with Committee members to make sure that we make it as effective as possible.


Oliver McMullan (Sinn Féin)
I thank the Minister for his answer.  Has advice been sought from any other jurisdiction that has implemented a single-tier taxi system to establish whether it has been successful?


Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party)

As I said, the legislation is complicated.  I believe that it was the first legislation passed in this House, and the fact that we are here, five years after its passage, and it still has not moved anywhere, is an indication of just how complex it is and how important it is that we get it right.  There have been studies done of the taxi industry elsewhere.  Every country and, indeed, most cities have their own particular taxi needs and issues.  The case in point is Belfast, which we see as the place in the North that would be most severely impacted on by the introduction of the single-tier system.  I suppose that Belfast public hire taxis fear what the impact might be on them.  As I said, it is very important that we work together.  I will also be working with my colleague the Minister for Regional Development on issues around ranks and bus lanes and how they can best be facilitated.
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Information on the 40 plus Taxi related questions asked in UK Parliaments since June can be viewed on this link.

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/search/?s=Taxis