Industry News

The Commission, in consultation with the Advisory Council and a wide range of industry representative bodies, has decided on  a number of new measures regarding the identity of where a driver can stand or ply for hire.  These include enhancements to the current Driver ID cards and the taxi roof sign.  

The Commission is now drafting the appropriate regulations, considering security measures and undertaking procurement for the production and distribution of these items. 
 
The Commission will contact drivers with further details when they are available.

Noel Deans was shoot dead on the 16th of January 2010 between 9.30pm and 10.30pm at Ferrycarrig Road.

This request is for any taxi drivers who were in the Ferrycarrig Road/Priorswood area especially near the Priorswood Inn and may have seen anything strange or unusual between 5.30pm and 10.30pm, or have any information to offer in relation to this investigation to contact the incident room in Clontarf Garda Station on 666 4800 or 666 4832.

Advice for SPSV operators from the HSE Swine Flu information service supported by the Commission for Taxi Regulation.

Here you will find some useful preventing measures to help you minimise the risk of spreading or getting Swine Flu during this autumn/winter season.

The Commission for Taxi Regulation is currently preparing for the publication of its Strategy Statement for 2010-2014 and  invites public submissions on this five year strategic plan for consideration. The Commission is basing the development of its strategy for 2010-2014 on the outcome of public consultation during 2009.

The Commission for Taxi Regulation believes that a lower drink drive limit should be welcomed in the context of the Small Public Service Vehicle industry.

The Commission for Taxi Regulation and Road Safety Authority today launched a joint campaign targeted at members of the Small Public Service Vehicle Industry to highlight the dangers of driver fatigue. The radio campaign on national and local radio along with print advertising will remind drivers of taxis, hackneys and limousines of the risks they run if they are driving while tired as well as their legal obligations in relation to the number of hours they drive.

The Commission for Taxi Regulation has today announced the next stage of reforms for the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry following its most recent public consultation process. The Commission sought and received advice on the reforms from the Advisory Council to the Commission and completed Regulatory Impact Assessment and legal considerations on the reforms which will be implemented on a phased basis, between now and 2012.

To access the Summary of Forthcoming Reforms, please CLICK HERE.

Industry News Issue 11 contains valuable information regarding the new driver skills development programme, NCT suitability test and FAQs. There is also a "Facts and Figures" section outlining enforcement and licensing information through some easy to read tables. To read the publication click HERE.

Commissioner for Taxi Regulation, Kathleen Doyle said “We would encourage all members of the industry, taxi users and indeed anyone with an interest, to make their views in this important consultation known to the Commission.

The purpose of the Action Plan 2008-2009 is to maintain our progress in meeting objectives  set by ourselves in the strategy statement 2005-2009.   The Commission acknowledge the professionalism and high level of service provided by a large number of SPSV operators, the implementation of our new reforms will see all licence holders operating to the highest standard.

In June 2007, the Commission began seeking views from the industry in relation to the appropriate operation and control of taxi and wheelchair accessible taxi licences. The purpose of this review is to enhance compliance with SPSV legislation.

The deadline for responses was 1st September 2007 and over 130 submissions were received. The Commission will now consider all views submitted and review current regulations in relation to the operation and control of these licences.

March 2007 - The distribution of Driver ID cards is now nearing completion, with the final round of collection dates scheduled to end in June. The collection of 41,000 licences and subsequent creation of the new secure drvier idnetification began late last year and distribution commenced with Carlow and Kildare at the beginning of February.

The Commission is working closely with An Garda Síochána to ensure regular updates are provided to the Commission on renewals or new licences granted, so the Commisison in turn can arrange for the distribution of Driver ID packs as soon as possible to newly licensed drivers as well as drivers who have renewed their licence.

The Commission received over 190 submissions in reponse to its last consultation paper on vehicle standards. All submissions are currently being analysed with various representative groups and stakeholders being consulted. The Commission is considering all views which will assist them in providing a solution that balances overall quality, accessibility and safety improvements to enable passengers to embark, travel and disembark with safety and comfort.

The Commission will not make any decisions in relation to future vehicle standards until all the submissions have been considered and all the necessary research completed. In the meantime, existing standards can be found by clicking here. Any new standards will co-exist with the existing standards for a period of time in order to allow for a smooth transition and enable service providers to modify or change their vehicles, where necessary, over a reasonable period of time.