Menu
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 February 2024
Two Arrests Made During North Belfast Search Operations
Two arrests have been made by detectives from the PSNI's Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) following a number of searches in the north Belfast area today, Thursday, 29th February.
Two Arrests Made During North Belfast Search Operations
Two arrests have been made by detectives from the PSNI's Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) following a number of searches in the north Belfast area today, Thursday, 29th February.
09 December 2003
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.
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.
31 January 2024
BT Group To Hire 40 Apprentices And Graduates In Belfast
BT Group has announced plans to recruit nearly 40 apprentices and graduates in Belfast for its intake in September this year. A total of 39 positions will be recruited to include 28 graduate roles and 11 apprenticeships.
BT Group To Hire 40 Apprentices And Graduates In Belfast
BT Group has announced plans to recruit nearly 40 apprentices and graduates in Belfast for its intake in September this year. A total of 39 positions will be recruited to include 28 graduate roles and 11 apprenticeships.
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.
09 March 2018
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
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A rather cloudy morning, with a little patchy light rain or drizzle to start. Skies clearing and becoming dry and increasingly sunny in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry with prolonged clear spells through the evening and overnight. This will allow for some fog patches to develop in places overnight. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
