[New] Northern Ireland faces driver crisis as operators leave the taxi industry

Mark Bursa

Northern Ireland taxi operators are struggling to recover from the effects of the Covid pandemic, with 61 operators and almost 2,000 drivers leaving the industry in the past three years.

Latest figures indicate that the number of taxi licences has fallen 1,290 to 8,077. There are now 1,260 taxi operators, 61 fewer than in 2020, and 1,895 fewer licenced taxis, with the total now standing at 6,828.

The crisis means operators are struggling to meet demand in the province, especially during the festive season. With 30% fewer taxis on the roads, many people are struggling to get home after a night out.

The NI Licensed Taxi Operators

Association (LTOA) blames “two years of inaction” by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) for forcing more taxi operators to cease trading. The LTOA adds that the industry is finding it difficult to recruit more because of the licence testing regime.

A LTOA spokesperson said: “This results in passengers being unable to book, delays for passengers who have booked, and a free for all for those passengers trying to hail taxis at peak times with the price bartering that occurs when taxis are in such short supply.”

“Most taxi drivers are self-employed in Northern Ireland and many of them, have looked at their work life balance during the pandemic. Drivers have decided it is not worth their while driving the extra hours, especially evenings and weekends on the current DfI fare structure, when there are additional challenges for working these hours.”

The LTOA spokesperson added: “Operators are continually recruiting for more drivers and there is no lack of interest in the roles, rather a DfI blockage in getting new drivers through the licencing process.”

In particular, the LTOA blames a bespoke taxi theory and practical test, introduced in 2014, for making it harder to recruit new drivers.

Currently only around 22% on average are passing the theory element, which the LTOA says “remains unacceptably low compared to other licence types”.

South Ribble Council considers compulsory CCTV cab cameras

Mark Bursa

South Ribble Borough Council is exploring the possibility of making CCTV cameras mandatory in all local taxis. A consultation with members of the public has been launched asking whether people think it will have a positive or negative affect on journeys. This follows requests from trade representatives asking for the policy on CCTV to be reconsidered, with the possibility of a mandatory policy investigated.

In 2018, the idea was rejected on the basis that the cost of implementation in every vehicle could not be justified because of low crime rates involving taxis.

A council spokesman said: “There are many factors that need to be considered to ensure that the design, specification and operation of any CCTV system is proportionate, justified and pragmatic so, any decision to mandate CCTV in licensed vehicles cannot be made lightly or quickly.”

CCTV units range in price between £390-£450, which includes professional installation by an approved supplier. Officers are looking into the possibility of grants or funding towards the cost of CCTV, but if this is not possible and a mandatory policy were to be implemented, the cost would fall to the vehicle owner to pay for the installation.