Jersey taxi service revamp 'is ridiculous'

Under the new plans all taxis will have access to the rank if they meet the new requirements

Plans to reorganise the taxi market in Jersey are "ridiculous" according to the industry spokesman.

Mick Tostevin, President of the Jersey Taxi Drivers Association, said the proposals were badly thought through and discriminatory.

Transport Minister Deputy Eddie Noel announced a number of new rules, including a requirement to be wheelchair-friendly.

Mr Tostevin said the plans would put the industry in crisis if enacted.

Mr Noel said he had arranged to meet taxi drivers on 19 October before the letter had arrived and would discuss their concerns then.

In an open letter to the minister, Mr Tostevin said the plans would be bad for drivers trying to earn a living.

He criticised the call for all rank taxis to be wheelchair-friendly, saying it would put an unnecessary burden on drivers. He said currently 15% of taxis were able to take wheelchairs.

Mr Noel said there had been more than four years of ongoing discussion and consultation with the taxi industry.

He said there were issues with unavailability, the need to improve services and a lack of opportunity for young drivers.

The proposals include plans, he said, for a simpler fare structure and a requirement for all taxis to accept electronic payments which would result in a "more flexible and dynamic industry".