The investigation airs today, Monday October 3rd as part of the daily news broadcasts at 12:30, 17:30 and 20:00.
The investigation shows how easy it is for members of the public to pose as taxi drivers. Paul Byrne, Southern Correspondent for TV3 demonstrates this by buying a roof top taxi sign for €200, enabling a non-taxi driver to drive in Co. Cork and park in a taxi rank.
This is the second investigation carried out by Paul Byrne in the last year, with the National Transport Authority of Ireland responding to the first by saying it would review its procedures.
Members of Allied Cork Taxi Group and cab owners in the city of Cork have both called for an overhaul of the industry. The National Transport Authority have confirmed it is an offence to operate a vehicle with a sign saying ‘Taxi’ or ‘Tacsaí’ unless the vehicle is licensed as such, and carries a fine of up to €5,000.
National Transport Authority:
“The design of the currently used taxi roof signs in Ireland dates back many years. Because of this, the NTA does not own the design of the sign and cannot legally control or prevent sign manufacturers from making a taxi sign.”
The Department of Transport has responded to the investigation as follows: “The regulation of the taxi industry, including issues relating to taxi signage, is a matter for the regulator, the National Transport Authority”.
