CONCERNS surrounding Jersey’s illegal lifts industry will be considered as part of the recently-announced review of taxi regulation in the Island, the Infrastructure Minister has confirmed.
Deputy Jonathan Renouf provided the update in response to questions from the JEP regarding a proposition from Reform Jersey Deputy Catherine Curtis that was backed by States Members towards the end of the previous Assembly’s term.
Her proposal asked the Council of Ministers to consider an update to the Motor Traffic (Jersey) Law 1935 – or the introduction of new statutory offences in separate legislation – to “further support the investigation of illegal taxi services by the States of Jersey Police”.
At the time, Deputy Curtis cited the growing memberships of online forums such as Jersey Lifts and argued that the current wording of the Motor Traffic (Jersey) Law 1935 is “inadequate for effective prosecution” of unregulated, uninsured drivers offering transport for cash.
Asked what progress that had been made since the proposition was approved, Deputy Renouf highlighted that he had committed to a “comprehensive” review of Jersey’s taxi regulatory framework.
He said: “That review will consider all aspects of taxi regulation and operation, including concerns about illegal taxi services, to ensure the framework is clear, effective and supports public safety.
“We will work with the industry and relevant stakeholders before bringing forward any proposals.”
Deputy Hilary Jeune, who chairs the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel, said the panel would be building its understanding of the issue and looking at any proposals that might be brought forward.
“It will be important to hear what stakeholders are telling the minister,” she added.
“Because we can assess what he has taken on board and the range of voices that he has heard.”
