More taxi drivers get behind the wheel

Thursday 08 December 2022

42 new taxi permits have been issued since September - vastly exceeding the amount approved in 2020 and 2021 combined.

A number of people holding Bus or Private Hire Public Vehicle permits have also requested variations to their permits to allow them to drive taxis as well meaning there could soon be a further increase in the number of available drivers.

This comes after a shortage of taxi drivers caused issues for locals and visitors alike, with hoteliers saying guests were unable to make their way between the airport and their accommodation, and vice versa, and residents saying it was "impossible" to book taxis during peak times. 

A review of the taxi industry was released in the autumn and it confirmed many deficiencies within the existing system which are now being addressed.

Pictured: A review into the taxi industry was published in September and can be read in full HERE.

It found a number of issues within the industry including the age of drivers - with many nearing retirement, the lack of drivers, and the number of licensed taxi drivers currently not working. 

Some of the specific concerns raised through the review were the difficulties in booking taxis to serve passengers at the airport and harbour, and the inability to be able to 'flag' taxis down at either site.

The review made a number of recommendations, including: 

• issuing more taxi plates, including around 20 immediately;
• removing minimum mileage requirements;
• considering compensation of current taxi plate holders;
• speeding up the process of issuing licences to prospective taxi plate holders and slimming down the 'knowledge test' which is part of the process;
• various changes to the tariff structure but no overall reduction in tariffs;
• requiring drivers to be linked to a recognised 'booking entity' which allows bookings through the web or an app.

The first recommendation listed has now been tackled with the 42 new Taxi Public Service Vehicle permits being issued.

The Driver & Vehicle Licensing department said this has been enabled by a simplified process brought in in in response to the Taxi Review.

Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure praised the new drivers for taking on the role. 

“It’s great to already see such a huge increase in the number of taxi drivers following this pragmatic change. This was a quick win, which will be part of a longer-term plan in response to the Taxi Review, but it’s good to see this heading in the right direction for the benefit of our community and visitors to our island.”

Pictured: New taxi drivers haven't had to show they have 'the knowledge' of Guernsey roads and can instead navigate the island using new tools.

By comparison to the 42 plates issued in the last three months, just 11 Taxi Public Service Vehicle permits were issued in the whole of 2020 and six were issued in 2021. Those years would have been impacted by the pandemic and data has not been provided for the previous years.

In addition to the 42 new permits, 15 existing Bus or Private Hire Public Vehicle permit holders have requested a permit to function as a taxi.

Previously, applicants were required to sit an additional practical driving test and an ‘Island Knowledge’ test. However, provided that applicants hold a full category B driving licence and have a suitable alternative in place to ensure they can effectively navigate their way around the island, this requirement has been removed to streamline the process.

Read more...

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