Taxi drivers' anger as review rejects stopping new licences

Angry taxi drivers tonight demanded Government intervention after a report rejected calls to cut the issuing of new licences.

A review of the industry revealed while drivers were working longer hours and earning less money, the current regulatory structure should remain in place.

Consultants maintained the large increase in the numbers of taxis since the turn of the decade offered greater benefits to consumers.

But drivers condemned the study, carried out by Goodbody, and said Taxi Regulator Kathleen Doyle should consider her position.

Frank Byrne, of lobby group Taxi Drivers for Change, said: “We are horrified and shocked at the content of the report.

“We disagree adamantly that there is no economic justification for moratorium licences and that the current regularly structure is the most appropriate and successful model.

“We feel the money spent on the Goodbody report was a waste.”

The non-union group has held weekly protests in the capital since it formed six weeks ago to highlight the plight of drivers on low incomes.

Elsewhere, the leaders of three taxi unions have requested an urgent meeting with Transport Minister Noel Dempsey to convince him to stop issuing new licences for three years.

Tommy Gorman, of the National Taxi Drivers Union, said although the report highlighted issues with illegal drivers, no insurance, and others earning just over the minimum wage, it failed to recommended a moratorium which could control this.

Mr Gorman said thousands of drivers could take to the streets if a cap was not introduced.

“We are going to be under severe pressure to maintain some sort of demonstration or action challenging this report,” said Mr Gorman.

“We are hoping for a meeting with the minister within the next 24 hours and that he gives some commitment before there are greater problems in the industry.”

Approximately 100 million taxi trips were taken last year, a 25% rise since 2005.

The study found drivers have upped their workload to an average 52-hour week, while average earnings have dropped to around 11 euro an hour.

“The fact that drivers’ incomes are falling in real terms or that they are working longer hours is insufficient to justify the introduction of a moratorium,” it stated.

Taxi regulator Kathleen Doyle said there was no doubt that drivers are operating in a more competitive market than ever.

“Competition in the market is essential for the good of consumers and it is often overlooked that there has been a great improvement in the service available to passengers both in terms of waiting times and quality,” said Ms Doyle.

“This, of course, is also of direct benefit to the industry in terms of its reputation and in encouraging further use.”

Ms Doyle added consultations will be held with interested parties before any changes to standards or regulations are introduced.

Mr Byrne said despite its concerns, drivers would not be protesting in Dublin this week as a mark of respect to chairman David Meade who is critical in hospital after complications following hip replacement surgery.

“We have a planned protest in Trim with colleagues from around the country on Wednesday,” continued Mr Byrne.

“We will now sit down with our colleges from around the country to consider this report and consider our response.”