Rise in taxi complaints due to deregulation, say union

ALMOST half of all complaints made against Dublin taxi drivers last year related to overcharging while one in seven cab owners have a criminal record, according to Garda figures.

However, less than 5% of all complaints reported to the Dublin Carriage Office led to a prosecution, although 42% of drivers who were reported received a formal caution. Unsubstantiated complaints accounted for 25% of the total.

Figures revealed to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport yesterday also show 25% of taxi licence applicants in Dublin failed a knowledge test.