The following are the grievances of Taxi Drivers regarding the imminent changes to the taxi industry announced by the Taxi Regulator

Non Negotiation of Changes Within the Taxi Industry

The Taxi Regulator has refused to negotiate on any part of his "Driving Forward            Plan" with any representative body. This plan affects the livelihood of taxi drivers nationwide and nobody can negotiate on their behalf.

New Numerical System

This means that each county in Ireland looses their individuality and passengers will not know when they step into a taxi what area the driver is licenced to operate in. This change has been introduced against the wishes of taxi drivers.

New National Taxi Fares System

Previously local authorities set the fares for each area. The regulator has now taken over this function. The taxi representative bodies requested the regulator to retain local variations as it is unfair to ask taxi drivers in small towns to operate the same system as in major cities in Ireland.

Removal of Two Months Grace

Previously taxi drivers who were ill or out of work due to accidents and widows of taxi drivers who had licences rented out, all had two months grace to renew their vehicle licence. The representative bodies asked the regulator in increase this grace period, particularly for the sick and elderly but he did not listen to the representative bodies. The new regulations now say if your licence is out of date by one day you must pay a restoration fee of €500.

Tamper Proof Stickers

The new regulations require that taxis have tamper proof stickers in the front and back windscreen of the taxi. If a child or anyone else pulls these stickers off it costs €50 to replace, despite the fact they cost less than €5 to make.

Removal of Airport Pickup Charge

The airport pickup charge is presently €1.50, €0.70 is paid to Dublin Airport Authority and €0.80 to the taxi driver. This results in the passenger having a taxi waiting outside the Terminal building to take them to a destination of their choice. If taxis were not there the customer would have to phone a taxi and pay a €2.00 pick up charge.

Luggage

Customers are presently asked to pay €0.50 per item for the first two items. The rest of the luggage is carried free. The regulator has decided to remove the €0.50 charge, while at the same time Aer Lingus has announced a charge of €8.00 per item. Some airlines charge €25.00 to carry golf clubs.

Enforcement Officers

Nine enforcement officers are being employed by the taxi regulator, issuing on the spot fines of €250. What other sector has such high on the spot fines?