New standards to ensure the cleanliness, comfort and safety of small public service vehicles are to be introduced on a phased basis from next year.
The regulations covering taxis, hackneys and limousines will set new limits on the age of public service vehicles as well as ensuring consistent service from all operators across the State, according to the Commission for Taxi Regulation.
Announcing the new rules yesterday, Commissioner for Taxi Regulation Kathleen Doyle acknowledged that some regulations, such as the standards for wheelchair accessible taxis, may add considerably to the cost of vehicles.
Ms Doyle said she had suggested to the Department of Transport that it grant aid up to 40 per cent of the cost of wheelchair accessible taxis, which she estimated cost up to €50,000 each. But she acknowledged she had not yet received a decision from the department.
Under the new regulations all wheelchair accessible public service vehicles will have to be able to accommodate one person in a wheelchair with at least three adult passengers at the same time. Goods vehicles converted to wheelchair accessible taxis will no longer be permitted.
While the new wheelchair regulations will apply to all new entrants to the industry, existing licence holders will have until January 2012 to become compliant.
From January 2009 all small public service vehicles will have to present a "good standard" of cleanliness and carry safety equipment including a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, advance warning triangle, a torch and a pen and paper.
An age limit of not more than nine years will be placed on standard taxis and hackneys from January 1st next, for all new entrants to the business. Existing licence holders will have until 2012 to comply.
Vincent Kearns of The National Taxi Drivers Union described the new regulations which relate to wheelchair accessible vehicles as "ridiculous".
Mr Kearns said a person whose mobility is impaired may claim exemption from Vehicle Registration Tax, VAT, excise duty on fuel and road tax as well as claiming a fuel allowance. "But it is not available to taxis. If it was we would have one of the best equipped, wheelchair accessible fleets in the world" he said.
