Seat belt exemptions to end on Thursday

Minister for Transport Seamus Brennan has announced that the current exemption allowing drivers of taxis, hackneys and limousines to do without seat belts is to be rescinded.

These drivers will be obliged to wear seat belts from this Thursday, July 1.

Minister Brennan says the effectiveness of seat belts in preventing death and reducing serious injury in road accidents means it is no longer possible to justify keeping the exemption.

The move comes as the Minister vows to improve the taxi industry in conjunction with the National Taxi Council under the chairmanship of former Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne.