The current differentiation between taxis and hackneys is an outmoded inequitable and slightly ridiculous system which creates confusion and has the potential to lead to abuse. The deregulation of the industry will provide an even playing pitch. It will involve the initiation of a single license which will be awarded, without any restrictions on numbers, on qualitative criteria. The responsibility for taxis and hackney s is divided between three bodies. The Minister for the Environment has overall responsibility for policy and making regulations under the Road Traffic Acts including the taximeter area and the fixing of maximum fares charged therein.
Local authorities have the power to grant number of licenses and draw up taximeter areas.
The Garda Commissioner is responsible for enforcing the above regulations and the inspection and verification of taximeters. What is clear is that there is no central control. Responsibility is fragmented and it seems that this is one reason why the taxi situation has been allowed to reach the present untenable status. The establishment of the Office of the Director of Traffic in Dublin Corporation is welcomed and it is hoped that through liaison and monitoring, it will provide part of the solution to the current administrative fragmentation. However, in order to provide a long-term solution to the current crises, the Chamber recommends that an independent body, outside of political influence but responsible to Government, should be established.