08/04/2020
Dear All RE: Concerns raised by Taxi Industry in NI We are taxis drivers working in Northern Ireland. We understand that we are all working in unprecedented times as we fight the global pandemic caused by Covid-19. We also appreciate the pressures that our government departments find themselves under and the work that is going on behind the scenes to keep us all safe. However many of us, operating across the taxi industry (both public and private hire) feel that there has been little or no guidance and support offered to us as an industry. Meanwhile we continue to provide an essential service to people across Northern Ireland including to some of our most elderly and vulnerable citizens ensuring they get to hospital appointments and bringing key workers to their jobs. Individual drivers and businesses have raised issues affecting the taxi industry both publicly and privately with both the Department for Infrastructure and the Department of the Economy as they have responsibility for regulating our industry β yet we still await guidance and clarification. We just want to ensure that we can operate legally, safely and responsibly during these difficult times and would appreciate answers and guidance to the following concerns: 1.How will drivers renew their personal PSV licence and their vehicle PSV licence, will exemption certificates be issued and if so, when during and for how long? 2.Has there been thought given to and advice designed for drivers relating to their safety and that of their passengers while travelling in the vehicle?(e.g. temporary 2 passengers per journey, 4 people in 8 seater vehicles) 3.Driver CPC courses β are these courses being temporarily suspended due to the current government instructions and social distancing requirements? 4. Advice on the 2008 NI Taxi Act Section 51. Is a government grant available to help the taxi industry? 5.Are plans in place for the redeployment of taxi drivers ? Many of us are willing to help in this global fight to protect lives. Thanking you in advance for taking the time to read this letter and consider the issues raised. We fully understand the pressures that our politicians, Assembly and Executive are under at this time - but we really need some guidance, advice and concrete answers to enable us to carry on doing our jobs safely and with accordance of the regulations and legislation during this pandemic. Regards Northern Ireland Taxi drivers
Could all drivers pls email or put on social media and tag all MLAs