A MAJOR review of the way taxis are regulated in Jersey is to be carried out.
Infrastructure Minister Jonathan Renouf, who has responsibility for the legal framework covering the Island’s taxi service, acknowledged the deficiencies of the existing system and pledged to reduce regulation in answering a written States question.
Deputy Samantha Gleave asked the minister whether he would review and update the current framework in order to reduce operating costs and improve affordability, increase flexibility to meet customer needs, support the night-time economy and increase the availability of services.
Deputy Renouf said the review would be carried out in line with his legal obligation to ensure “an adequate, efficient and reasonably priced cab service” was available at all times.
A “secondary, but important, consideration” would be, he added, the “reasonable expectation of drivers and other participants to make a living”, as a sustainable industry was necessary to serve passengers well.
The minister acknowledged work that had taken place as part of the Taxi-Cab Regulation Reform Programme, approved in 2015, but that some elements had been superseded or had yet to be completed.
He added: “I am clear that the present situation is not satisfactory – it is overly complex and not sufficiently transparent.
“It is also unacceptable that some regulatory requirements are being imposed when these appear to be based only on convention.
“Therefore, my aim is that one outcome of the current review will be an updated regulatory framework which will have a clear basis in statute and policy and be published as a single document which is publicly available.”
As part of the review, Deputy Renouf said existing requirements would be considered against current circumstances and retained “only where necessary and proportionate”.
He concluded: “This work will involve full consultation with the industry and relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver a modern regulatory framework which best serves Islanders and discharges my obligations under the law.”
