Northern Ireland taxi support plan ‘welcomed’ by DUP MLA after ‘insufficient’ help during pandemic

East Antrim MLA and Vice Chair of the NI Assembly Infrastructure Committee David Hilditch has welcomed commitments from the Infrastructure Minister Nicola Mallon to assist the taxi industry rebuild post-pandemic, but described the previous help offered to the industry as ‘insufficient’.

The Minister announced a number of measures, including the waiving of DVA fees for new taxi drivers in 2021/22, a taxi fare review and wiping DVA fees for one meter test.

This represents a saving of £370 for every new driver.

DUP’s Hilditch said: "I have been working with representatives of the taxi industry, both in East Antrim and right across the country, since the beginning of the pandemic.

“Taxi operators and drivers have suffered massively over the last 18 months and the support offered from the Department whilst helpful, has been insufficient to offset the damage caused by the closure of many other industries, especially hospitality, on which the taxi industry relies so heavily.

“For some time now I have been calling on the Minister to act and implement measures to make becoming a taxi driver more appealing so I welcome this further commitment from the Minister which I hope can assist in attracting more drivers to enter the industry."