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.