Fury after cab drivers told to use seat belts

TAXI unions have accused Transport Minister Seamus Brennan of running a red light with his decision to make the wearing of seat belts compulsory for drivers from this Thursday.

They say the move is being made without an effort to reach a compromise and will leave their members more vulnerable to attack from the muggers, drug addicts and drunks who regularly prey on drivers.

The National Taxi Drivers Union (NTDU) called on the Minister to postpone the introduction of the new regulation to give time for consideration of a compromise "waist belt" solution along the lines of the fast-release strap model used by airlines.

The Irish Taxi Drivers Federation (ITDF), meanwhile, urged gardaí tasked with policing the regulation to use their discretion with drivers rather than adopt a zero tolerance policy.

Up to now, taxi drivers, along with gardaí, ambulance drivers and fire crew, have been exempted from the law which requires all civilian motorists to use seat belts or face a fine or sanction under the penalty points system.

The proposal to remove taxi drivers from the exemption was recommended by the Taxi Advisory Council set up last year. Representatives from the three main taxi unions objected but were out-voted.

ITDF president, John Ussher, said, however, that the first he knew of the introduction date was when the Minister announced it publicly yesterday.

"We knew it was coming but we did not know it was this Thursday. I thought we would get a year's notice," said Mr Ussher.

He added that his fear was that fastened seat belts could be used by rear seat passengers to choke drivers or that they would hamper their escape if they needed to get out of their cabs quickly.

"Most drivers do use seat belts on the open road but the majority of journeys are in 30mph zones and they're often going slower than that. Nobody should have to be strapped in with the wrong person sitting behind you," he said.

President of the NTDU, Tommy Gorman challenged the Minister to produce proof that taxi drivers were a greater safety risk without seat belts.

"I know of no statistics that show we have cost insurance companies money by not wearing seat belts, but I know the statistics that show how many taxi drivers are at risk of attack," Mr Gorman said.

He called on Mr Brennan to match his decision by introducing mandatory sentences for thugs who attack taxi drivers.

A spokesman for the Minister said the decision was made on the basis of valid concerns and that there were ample opportunities to discuss the matter at the advisory council.

The Minister also announced yesterday that anyone applying for a new taxi licence or a renewal would have to produce a tax compliance certificate from this August. Both unions welcomed this move, which the NTDU said would remove or regularise an estimated 2,000 moonlighting and weekend drivers.