Northern Ireland: Taxis

HL Deb 30 March 2004 vol 659 c151WA

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether research is under way on how to improve the operation of taxis in Northern Ireland; if so, what are its terms of reference; and when the research will be completed. [HL2058]

Baroness Amos

In November 2002 the Department of Environment launched the Northern Ireland review of taxi regulation. The terms of reference of the review are "To examine comprehensively the principles, mechanisms and practices which are features of the present regulatory system within which taxi services in Northern Ireland are operated and to make recommendations aimed at creating an effective and equitable regulatory framework which promotes road and public safety and fair competition." The review will report its findings and recommendations in a public consultation document to be issued later this spring.