Gardaí to target ‘rogue’ taxi and hackney drivers this weekend

Taxis and hackneys will be targeted specifically by the gardaí this weekend for breaches of small public service vehicle (SPSV) regulations and other Road Traffic Act offences.

Gardaí are aiming to identify rogue drivers or vehicles as well as taxis and hackneys failing to comply with safety and other regulations.

John Twomey, head of the Garda traffic corps, said the vast majority of the State’s 30,111 licensed drivers and the 21,672 licensed vehicles were in compliance with all taxi regulations.

“This weekend we will target unlicensed vehicles or drivers, as well as those that are not fit for purpose or are in breach of other SPSV regulations,” he said.

“These drivers are un-vetted and do not have the required insurance to carry passengers for reward.”

Minister of State for Public Transport Alan Kelly said the taxi market relied on consumer confidence.

“I believe that the new emphasis by gardaí on the taxi sector will ensure that consumers will have that confidence in the sector and the taxi drivers that do their jobs professionally will be rewarded by the market.”

The recent Taxi Regulation Act 2013 provides for a system for revocation or suspension of a licence for breaches of the SPSV regulations.

All taxis and hackneys must have an active vehicle licence displayed in the front and rear windows of the vehicle; be fully roadworthy and carry required safety equipment.

Taxis specifically must have a calibrated and verified taximeter; regulation roof sign; approved branding on the front doors and no large advertising signs.

Hackneys, meanwhile, must agree the fare to be charged in advance; provide a written receipt; be pre-booked and not use bus lanes.

The operation this weekend is one of 10 such planned this year.