AQW 3306/22-27

Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 21/09/2022
Answered On Date: 23/09/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what plans he has to support taxi drivers, given the rising cost of fuel.

Answer:

My Department is responsible for the regulation of the taxi industry across the North. This role requires balancing the needs of taxi customers, including vulnerable passengers, as well as drivers and operators. My Department remains committed to working within this remit to play its part, alongside those in the taxi industry, to address the range of issues the industry faces, including the high cost of fuel.

As part of its regulatory role the Department is currently consulting with the public, taxi drivers/operators and stakeholders on a review of taxi fares, which will finish on the 7th of October 2022 - https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations/taxi-fare-increase-public-consultation-2022 . This review has factored in a large increase for depot charges, 2022 fuel prices, and other increased costs such as insurance and labour. We are actively encouraging all of those with an interest to respond to the consultation, and I would ask that you respond if you have not already done so, and also encourage anyone that has raised the issue with you to respond by the deadline. After this process has concluded the outcome of the review can be implemented, to help address the needs of drivers, operators and taxi customers, including vulnerable passengers.