News Release Page Title

21 October 2004

NEW TAXI PLATING SYSTEM INTRODUCED TO IMPROVE SAFETY

"If it’s not on it, then don’t get in it!" This is the message DOE Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland (DVLNI) will be sending to every taxi user in Northern Ireland.

From 1 November 2004, all licensed taxis will be required to display taxi licence plates, making them easier for the public to recognise. Unveiling the new scheme earlier in Belfast today, Brendan Magee, Chief Executive of DVLNI, said: "The new plating scheme will have a number of benefits. It will help the travelling public identify legal taxis, it will help enforcement against illegal operators and it will help support the legitimate trade, but most importantly, it will mean that those who use cabs will be safer because they will be travelling in a legitimate taxi."

Mr Magee explained that, under the current system, it can be difficult to distinguish between a licensed and unlicensed taxi. The only true identification is the PSV disc on the windscreen. The new system will involve large plates front and rear of the vehicle with smaller plates inside the vehicle.

Taxi Plating is being introduced in advance of a wider review of the taxi industry and DOE will be issuing a consultation document on the taxi industry later this year.

DOE / DVLNI will lead a public information campaign from 1 November 2004, supported by BT Mobile and the NIO Community Safety Unit. The campaign will make the public aware of the new plating system and advise them that if a taxi doesn’t have the new plates on it, they shouldn’t get in it.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. A taxi is a public service vehicle capable of seating not more than 8 passengers plus the driver. There are approximately 6000 licensed taxis in Northern Ireland.

  2. New Regulations come into operation on 1 November 2004 to provide for taxi plating; these are the Public Service Vehicles (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2004.

  3. Taxi licence plates will be issued on an annual basis by DVLNI subject to the Department being satisfied that the vehicle is roadworthy (i.e. PSV test) and the applicant is a fit and proper person to hold a taxi licence.

  4. The fee, which covers administration, such as the issue of plates, the vehicle inspection test and the repute check, has increased from £61.50 to £120.00.

  5. The licensing plates will be a distinctive colour to identify the different types of taxi being licensed:

    Belfast Public Hire – Yellow

    Public Hire Outside Belfast – White

    Private Hire – Green

    Bus taxi – Blue

  6. Wedding and Funeral cars will display an internal plate.

  7. For further media information contact 028 9054 00013 or e-mailpress.office@doeni.gov.uk

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