Thousands of taxi drivers fear being put off the road due to '10-year rule' 

Transport committee heard a 'bigger fear' would be taxi drivers having to borrow more and taking on more debt to make sure they can stay on the road, and work even longer hours to pay for it. Picture: iStock

Thousands of taxi drivers could be forced off the road in the new year if urgent issues affecting the industry are not addressed, an Oireachtas committee has heard.

Members of representative associations of taxi drivers told the transport committee the “10-year-rule", where taxis must be 10 years old or less, is a “massive worry” for drivers who need to change car given the high cost of second-hand cars and the difficulty in securing electric cars under a grant system on offer.