The Department of Regional Development (DRD) is to carry out a review of taxi ranks in Derry, it has been confirmed.
DRD Minister Kennedy said the issue would be looked into once a review of taxi licensing was completed by the Department of the Environment (DOE).
The review has been welcomed by SDLP Foyle MLA Pat Ramsey who had written to both the DRD and the DOE requesting taxi rank provision in the city be looked at.
Mr Ramsey said: “There have been calls by many drivers in the city for a review of taxi ranks particularly in the city centre over recent months.
“I had written to both the Departments of Regional Development and Environment and now have been given the commitment that once the review of taxi licensing is complete by DoE, a review of taxi rank provision in the whole City will be carried out by DRD officials.”
Mr Ramsey concluded: “I welcome this move, we need to do all we can to address issues taxi drivers face in terms of city centre parking in particular, and to address legacy issues around taxi ranks not just as a matter of accessibility for customers, but also in recognition that our taxi drivers provide a public service and are for many a vital service for many in the city, not to mention a source of employment.”
