Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for taxi branding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57207/12]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of the taxi industry under the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003, and is also the lead agency with responsibility for implementation of the recommendations of the Taxi Regulation Review Report 2011, including the implementation of the taxi “branding” as set out in that Report.  

Action 31 of the Taxi Regulation Review Report in 2011 proposed the introduction of a distinctive branding on taxis and wheelchair accessible taxis by means of a semi-permanent decal  to be applied to the doors on either side of the vehicle, incorporating the umbrella 'Transport for Ireland' design. The aim of the branding is to provide greater recognition of taxis, promote greater professionalism of the industry and to reduce the potential for unlicensed vehicles to operate as taxis.

The taxi door branding will be a requirement for vehicles from January 1^st 2013 in order to renew a vehicle licence or change a vehicle on a licence. The details of authorised suppliers of the signage can be found on the NTA website.