For several years, the Jersey Taxi Drivers’ Association and politicians have repeatedly called for action to be taken to tackle Jersey Lifts – a Facebook group which offers lifts in exchange for cash.
Those offering services are usually unregistered and unlicensed, and the police have issued warnings against the practice.
However, Deputy Kirsten Morel believes Infrastructure Minister Kevin Lewis needs to call for a review of the taxi sector.
He said: ‘The way I see it is that with lift services being offered, Islanders are being failed because there are not enough taxi drivers available 24 hours a day.
‘There is this gap in the market that illegal lift services are sweeping up.
‘I was told after raising it in the States “if you want to sort that, go ahead” – it is a poisoned chalice. That shouldn’t stop the minister looking at this issue.’
In his response to a States question from Deputy Morel in November, Deputy Lewis said a programme of taxi-cab reform was due to be implemented in 2021.
He also urged those illegally making money from providing taxi services without a licence to stop doing so, describing it as ‘dangerous’.
However, Deputy Morel said the minister should be doing much more.
He added: ‘The previous minister didn’t do anything and neither is this one.
‘It is unsafe, anything could happen and the minister is unwilling to do anything about it.’
Two years ago the Jersey Taxi Drivers’ Association called for massive fines to be imposed on those carrying out unlicensed taxi services after a number of penalties for the practice were issued in the UK.
Deputy Lewis said taxi-driver numbers had increased and that unlicensed drivers were a matter for the police.
He added: ‘The number of licensed vehicles which can pick up from public ranks
is increasing, as we move from the older taxi licences to the new licensing scheme, which is indicated by a purple sign on a vehicle’s roof.
‘This will continue throughout 2020 as we regularly review the provision at peak times and specific locations. There are also new apps which make it easier for Islanders to book taxis.
‘As Infrastructure Minister, I am responsible for licensed taxis. Unlicensed vehicles operating as taxis are breaking the law, and are prosecuted by the police. Where there is evidence, action is taken.’
