Date Published: 12/03/09
Industry News Issue 10 outlines the key findings of the latest Economic Review published by The Commission. It also contains valuable information regarding tax clearance certificates, vehicle standards, dispatch operator registration, metrology regulations and the new skills development programme. Industry News, Issue 10 Format: PDF
Industry News Issue 10 - text version
Goodbody were instructed to undertake a review
by the Commission last year in order to provide
information to the Commission on trends in a
number of areas, including supply and demand,
earnings, working hours and the impact of
liberalisation, regulation and reform and how
the provision of services are made available
to consumers. The Commission will use these
findings to help inform policy in coming years.
As could be expected, the findings of the review
show an industry in transition, highlighting
significant changes since liberalisation in 2000.
A brief summary of the main findings follows:
Industry Profile
The SPSV industry was valued at €1.5
billion in 2008.
Approximately 100 million trips were taken
nationwide, an increase in demand of over
one quarter since 2005.
It is estimated that approximately 40 per
cent of taxis and hackneys nationwide are
affiliated to a dispatch operator.
There was a large increase in the numbers
of taxis following liberalisation, the rate of
increase has steadied over time with the
end of 2008 and start of 2009 showing signs
of a steady decrease in applications for new
licences.
Supply and Demand
Waiting times for consumers have reduced
since 2005.
In Dublin, from 2001 to 2008, the
proportion of cabs arranged by telephone
has increased from 38 per cent to
58 per cent with street hires falling from
62 per cent to 42 per cent in the same
period. Nationally, 63 per cent of hires are
by phone, and 37 per cent are street hires.
The demand for SPSV services is a peaked
demand with Fridays and Saturdays
accounting for 73 per cent of all trips.
Use of SPSV services by people with
disabilities is lower than that of the general
population and has decreased since 2005.
Earnings and hours
Overall, drivers are working longer hours
than in 2005, with an average 52-hour week.
Estimated earnings vary considerably, best
analysis suggests that average earnings
have dropped, although not dramatically.
It is clear that there are operators at both
ends of a wide scale.
Greater access to information on
the level of reward of working in
the industry will be of benefit to
those considering entry.
Impact of Liberalisation and Reform
There has been significant
increases in SPSV use and SPSV
provision.
The market is highly competitive,
this offers great benefits to
consumers, but challenges to
operators.
The quality of service offered is
improving.
The current profile of the industry
is in line with expectations related
to a period of regulatory reform.
Recommendations
There is no economic justification
for a moratorium on licences.
The current regulatory structure
is the most appropriate and
successful model and should be
continued.
Further improvement of standards
should be pursued with fasttracking
of their implementation
considered.
Quality and innovative service
should be rewarded.
Greater provision of service for
people with disabilities should be
sought.
The Commission has this week
presented the report to the Advisory
Council, provided copies of the review to
the Minister for Transport, a number of
the industry representative bodies and
other key stakeholders.
As with all major reviews undertaken by
the Commission, before any changes to
standards or regulations are introduced,
there will be a period of consultation
and the Commission will meet with
stakeholders, including representative
bodies around the country.
A copy of the report is available from
the Commission for Taxi Regulation
on request by calling the Industry
Information Line on 1890 347 347 or by
download from www.taxiregulator.ie
Economic Review
Complete
Issue 10 March 2009
Taxi (issue 10) .indd 1 04/03/2009 12:25:46
Lights on in Daytime
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is currently running a campaign
promoting the use of dipped headlights during the daytime. The
RSA has asked the Commission to pass on this advice to all
SPSV drivers as they spend large amounts of time on the road.
Dipped headlights improve visibility for you and other drivers,
effective in preventing head-on and front-corner collisions. The RSA
is also making drivers aware that fog lights should only be used
when conditions demand it and should be turned off once the road
conditions change.
Further information on this initiative can be found on the RSA
website, www.rsa.ie
Skills Development
Programme
Operators will be aware that the
Commission is currently developing
a mandatory Skills Development
Programme.
The programme will initially apply to all
new entrants and dispatch operator
owners/operational managers. This
programme will replace the current
Garda test required for an SPSV driver
licence. The programme content, manual and a DVD with the full
programme will be made available by the Commission.
The Commission is currently agreeing with the Gardaí a date from
when they will discontinue their area knowledge test, the national
rollout of the scheme is scheduled for early summer where it will
initially apply to all new market entrants and dispatch operator
owners/managers.
The programme will include:
Relevant legislation.
Route selection and area knowledge.*
Customer care training.
Fares and charges.
Health and safety.
Safety and security.
Manual handling and lifting.
Good driving practice.
Equality and diversity training.
Disability awareness.
Knowledge of in-vehicle operational equipment.
Opportunities to innovate.
*Note: Existing drivers will be exempt from the route selection and
area knowledge in relation to the area for which their current licence is
issued.
Enforcement
Update
In the course of 2008, the
Commission received a total of 601
complaints, around 100 less than
2007.
The breakdown of complaints is as
follows:
Our belief is that the vast majority of
the industry operates to very high
standards; however, the Commission
will continue to work hard in 2009
to ensure that all operators meet the
required standards and that those who
don’t are penalised.
As a result of the Commission’s
enforcement activity, 258 fixed
charge penalties were issued in 2008.
Enforcement visits and the complaints
process resulted in 106 prosecutions
in 2008; this figure is around four
times higher than the previous year
and underlines the Commission’s
commitment to enforcement. Joint
enforcement operations with An Garda
Síochána are also set to continue this
year with a planned schedule of joint
activity to be undertaken nationally.
A total of 27 complaints received
were referred to other agencies as the
nature of the complaint was not within
the remit of the Commission.
Overcharging or other matters
relating to fares.
Conduct and behaviour of
an SPSV operator or driver.
Matters relating to the hiring
of an SPSV.
Condition and cleanliness
of the vehicle.
17% 43%
11%
29%
Industry News Issued by the Commission for Taxi Regulation
Taxi (issue 10) .indd 2 04/03/2009 12:25:49
make it easier to identify vehicles in the distance and is especially
Tax Clearance
Certificates
Operators are reminded that in order to
obtain or renew a vehicle licence, a valid Tax
Clearance Certificate is required.
This means it must be up-to-date, original (not a
photocopy) and the name on the certificate must
match the name on the Vehicle Licence. Please
ensure you leave enough time to source your tax
clearance certificate before the renewal date for
your licence.
New Wheelchair
Accessible Taxi
Register
The Commission has created a register of all
Wheelchair Accessible Taxis throughout the
country. This is to enable improved access
to this specialised service for people with
disabilities.
Anyone can now call the Consumer Information line
on 1890 60 60 90 and request contact information
for a Wheelchair Accessible Taxi service that
operates within their area.
The Disability Federation of Ireland has been
informed about this service and they in turn are
informing various disability groups.
Dispatch Operator
Registration
Reminder
Dispatch operators
are reminded
that they are
now required to
register with the
Commission.
Any operator
who still has not
registered should do so immediately by contacting
the Commission on 1890 347 347 or downloading
the form from www.taxiregulator.ie
Vehicle Standards
The 1st January 2009 saw the introduction of two new requirements. The
first requirement affects ALL SPSV drivers who are now required to carry the
following safety items in their vehicle:
A Fire Extinguisher which should be securely fitted into luggage
compartment or under the driver’s seat for MPV style vehicles. Only one 2kg
extinguisher is acceptable and it must be marked compliant with ‘EN3’.
A First Aid Kit: Only ‘DIN 13164’ or Health & Safety Authority ‘travel kit’ is
acceptable.
An Advance Warning Triangle which must be marked compliant with ECE
Regulation 27.
A High Visibility Reflective Safety Vest which must be marked compliant with
EN471 or ANSI/ISEA 107.
A Torch.
Pen (or pencil) and Paper.
The second requirement affects only those applying for NEW taxi or hackney
licences. This means anyone with a licence number over 45,000 must have a
vehicle:
Less than nine years old.
With a luggage capacity of at least 420 litres.
With a rear shoulder width of at least 1,360mm.
The age of the vehicle is calculated from the date of receipt of the application
form and the date of first registration of the vehicle as given in the Vehicle
Registration Certificate and irrespective of the country of first registration.
A large number of popular vehicles have been ‘pre-assessed’ for interior size and
luggage capacity. A Model Report database shows Pass/Fail criteria for these
listed by manufacturer and is available in the ‘For Industry – Vehicle Licensing’
section of the Commission website. Please note that this is being constantly
updated.
Update: compliance with Legal
Metrology regulations – meter
verification
In a recent meeting with Legal Metrology Service, the issue of noncompliance
with the meter verification process was raised. The majority
of operators have already had their meters verified and are now fully
compliant. However, a number of operators at the time of writing have not
yet made an appointment with the Legal Metrology Service’s verification
process to have their meters verified and resealed after the revision to the
national maximum taxi fare in November 2008.
Given the time which has passed since the introduction of the revised
national maximum taxi fare, the Legal Metrology Service is now taking steps
to ensure that full compliance with its regulations is in place, including
inspections and detections of non-compliance. Steps are currently being
taken to prosecute parties who have failed to take the necessary steps to
have their meters verified.
To arrange a booking for meter verification and re-sealing you can contact
SGS Ireland, the company responsible for conducting the verification service
on behalf of the Legal Metrology Service, at LoCall 1890 886 228, or visit
www.verification.ie
Taxi (issue 10) .indd 3 04/03/2009 12:25:51
Your Questions Answered
For further information on any matter relating to SPSVs please contact:
Commission for Taxi Regulation
35 Fitzwilliam Square
Dublin 2
Telephone: 1890 347 347
Website: www.taxiregulator.ie
Email: commission @ taxiregulator.ie
TR96
Advertising
The Commission’s regulations permit advertising on or in taxis, although they are not
permitted to advertise on roof signs.
Under SPSV Regulations, a roof sign is permitted to display the name and contact details
of the taxi, wheelchair accessible taxi or dispatch operator as appropriate. A taxi is also
permitted to display the name of an industry representative body. Hackneys and Limousines
are prohibited from showing any sign, advertisement, or notice (other than signage
prescribed by the Commission).
The Alcohol Marketing Communications Monitoring Body was set up by the Department of
Health to monitor alcohol marketing in Ireland. The Body has requested that the Commission
inform all taxi licence holders of their ‘outdoor code’, which includes advertising on taxis.
The code prescribes that there be no alcohol related ‘wrap rounds’ allowed on taxis and that
‘only one display of alcohol advertising is allowed to be carried on the exterior of any taxi.’
Q What is the time-frame for renewing my
vehicle licence?
A: A licence holder can renew their licence
up to 12 weeks in advance of their expiry
date. The new licence will be valid for a
full 12 months from the original expiry date
so early renewal will not lose time on your
licence. If however a change of vehicle
is completed prior to the expiry date a
12-month licence will be issued from the
date the transfer is completed.
Q What type of vehicle licence is
transferable?
A: Under current regulations, the Commission
for Taxi Regulation can transfer a Taxi
or Wheelchair Accessible Taxi vehicle
licence between individuals. Hackney and
Limousine licenses are non transferable.
Q What is the penalty for not having the
correct safety equipment?
A: This offence attracts a maximum fine of
€2,000.
Q Is a space saver spare wheel ok for
the suitability inspection?
A: No, a full size spare wheel and
associated tools to change it are still
required.
Q Does the nine-year age limit apply to
wheelchair accessible taxis as well?
A: No, there are no age limit requirements
for limousines or wheelchair accessible
taxis.
Q What do I do if my identity cards are
stolen or lost?
A: Your identity cards are very important
documents and their theft/loss should be
reported immediately to your local PSV
office.
Once reported a DL4 form must be
filled in and returned to the Commission
along with a payment of €25 to replace
the cards. The form, which must be
completed in duplicate is available in
Garda Stations or directly from the
Commission. Please note you must have
it signed and stamped by your local PSV
office. Once complete please return it
to the PO Box address on the form and
retain the second copy in case you are
requested to produce your identification
by a member of the enforcement team or
An Garda Síochána.
If you have any queries on this,
please call the Commission on
1890 347 347.
Q When will new wheelchair accessible taxi
standards be introduced?
A: There is currently no date for the
introduction of new wheelchair accessible
vehicle standards as no decision has yet
been made by the Minister for Transport
with regard to a possible subsidy for the
purchase of wheelchair accessible vehicles.
Q When will there be an annual suitability
test?
A: The introduction of an annual Licence
Renewal Assessment will be January 2010.
Q Does a new car need an NCT
road worthiness test as well as a
suitability inspection?
A: Yes, all vehicles seeking licensing as SPSVs
require an NCT road worthiness certificate.
Q When a vehicle licence holder requires a
replacement licence or tamper-proof disc,
what documents are required?
A: When requesting a duplicate licence or
tamper-proof disc, a valid original tax
clearance certificate as well as a valid
original insurance certificate must be
produced in order for the duplicate to be
processed.
Taxi
