AQW 44968/11-15

Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 23/04/2015
Answered On Date: 12/05/2015
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of the Environment for an update on the taxi licensing legislation in regard to the regulation of wedding cars.

Answer:

The position on the regulation of wedding car remains as I advised at our meeting on 20 October 2014. Wedding cars are regarded as taxis within the meaning of the Taxis Act (NI) 2008, as they are vehicles which carry passengers for hire or reward in the course of their business.

This means that, amongst other things, wedding cars undertake a PSV test and their drivers are licensed taxi drivers. As you are aware, my Department has taken steps to reduce the regulatory burden by exempting the vehicle from having to use a taximeter or displaying a roofsign. Further, drivers need not display their Taxi Driver badge and there is an exemption from the Taxi Operator Licensing regime.

My officials met with representatives from the wedding car industry on 29 April 2015 to discuss the ongoing concerns they have about the impact of the Taxis Act on their sector. I note that their overriding concern was in relation to the recruitment of drivers due to the taxi driver licensing regime that came into force in October 2014.

It remains my intention to review the regulation of wedding car and courtesy transport operations under the Taxis Act, to ensure that the regulation is proportionate and fit for purpose. I have asked that the scoping stage of the review is completed by September 2015 with a consultation on the matter issuing thereafter. My oficials have committed to involving key stakeholders in the development of proposals and I will ensure you are kept updated as matters progress.