300 rogue taxis set to flood city likely to face crackdown

BY ENDA CUNNINGHAM

GARDAÍ and the Taxi Regulator are set to crack down on ‘rogue’ taxis operating in the city during the Races – when hundreds of unlicensed drivers are expected to descend on the city.

Last year, the National Taxi Drivers’ Union (NTDU) said around 300 unlicensed taxes were touting for business in the city during Race Week.

Galway West Deputy Noel Grealish has called on the Taxi Regulator and the Gardaí to carry out checkpoints throughout the city next week.

“I’m aware that last year, there were around 300 unlicensed and unregulated taxis operating in the city at night for the Races. That is absolutely unacceptable.

“Members of the public need to be vigilant for rogue taxi drivers.Race Week is the busiest time of the year in Galway and unfortunatelythis brings out unlicensed and unscrupulous taxi drivers who take advantage of increased demand.

“I have contacted both the Taxi Regulator and the Chief Superintendent asking that they put a proper policing system in placenext week to prevent rogue taxi drivers taking fares from unsuspecting members of the public.

“If a taxi isn’t properly licensed, passengers are not insured in theevent of an accident – people should ensure they are travelling in a legitimate taxi before they set off on their journey.

“This is not only to protect the livelihoods of Galway taxi drivers but to ensure that passengers travel safely.

“I have asked the Taxi Regulator to have her Enforcement Officersmaintain a visible presence in the city next week to apprehend anyone operating without a license,” said Deputy Grealish.

One city tax driver told the Galway City Tribune yesterday: “Regulator checks are very rare, and when they happen, the unlicensed guys disappear for a few hours and are back out again. There was a bit of a show during Race Week last year, but that’s about it.

For more, read this week's Galway City Tribune.