Taxi union: calibre of drivers at all-time low

THE new taxi regulator faces a difficult job as standards in the industry have reached an all-time low, drivers warned yesterday.

National Taxi Drivers Union boss Vincent Kearns welcomed the appointment of Gerard Deering to the new post of National Taxi Regulator, with responsibility for licensing and controlling the industry.

However, Mr Kearns warned: “We have reached an all-time low with the calibre of people being allowed in, though an awful lot are decent, some undesirables have got in.

“A taxi driver in Rathmines was recently found guilty of a triple rape, one in Cork had 5kgs of cocaine ... and another in Coolock was found guilty on two counts of sexual assault,” Mr Kearns added.

Mr Deering said consumers will be top priority as the industry plans to introduce major changes over the coming months.

“It is a small number of people within the industry which cause this problem but they can be weeded out very quickly,” he said.

He will also be advised by a taxi advisory council headed by former Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne.

Mr Deering, whose powers to police the 14,000 driver industry will commence in September, said the public will see improvements within months.

The 44-year-old Mr Deering is former director of services for Carlow County Council, where just five taxis operate and he admitted he only occasionally uses them.

But his strength, he said, was in working with people and State agencies and delivering consensus.

Transport Minister Seamus Brennan has promised legislative orders barring those with serious criminal records from becoming taxi drivers will be signed soon.

Anyone convicted of murder, rape, manslaughter, assault, drug trafficking or sexual offences will be barred, as will drivers found guilty of dangerous driving or driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

Under the legislation Mr Deering’s office would also carry out inspections of vehicles, set out a dress code for drivers, promote competition and adopt a national uniform colour for taxis.

Already, drivers have to issue printed receipts and, from August, must produce a tax clearance certificate to apply or renew a licence.