Undercover investigation reveals need for major overhaul in taxi industry
An undercover investigation has revealed how easy it is for an individual to pose as a taxi driver
Members of Allied Cork Taxi Group say it demonstrates how easy it is for a criminal to operate such a scheme.
In a TV3 investigation, to be aired tomorrow on TV3 news, southern correspondent Paul Byrne was able to buy a roof top taxi sign for €200 enabling a garage owner to drive around Cork and even park up in a taxi rank.
Cab owners in Cork city say a complete overhaul of the taxi industry is needed before some innocent member of the public is defrauded or seriously injured.
In response to the investigation, the department of Transport told TV3 News that “the regulation of the taxi industry, including issues relating to taxi signage, is a matter for the regulator, the National Transport Authority”.
In a statement, the National Transport Authority, said: “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”.
However, the NTA pointed out the legal implications of doing so: “It is an offence to operate a vehicle with a sign saying “taxi” or “tacsaí” unless the vehicle is licensed as a taxi. A person found guilty of that offence can be fined up to €5,000.”
