Review starting into 'overly complex' taxi service

A review into the regulations around Jersey's "overly complex" taxi service has begun, the island's infrastructure minister has confirmed.

Deputy Jonathan Renouf was answering questions from Deputy Samantha Gleave about the regulation of taxis in the island.

She wanted to understand whether the rules could be simplified to reduce costs, improve flexibility, support the night-time economy and increase service availability.

Renouf has confirmed the review will look at her concerns but would also need to consider how drivers and the wider industry could continue making a living, whilst serving passengers well.

He said: "As the minister for infrastructure, I have a legal obligation to ensure that the public has access to an 'adequate, efficient and reasonably priced cab service available throughout Jersey at all times'."

Renouf said the current situation was not satisfactory: "It is overly complex and not sufficiently transparent. It is also unacceptable that some regulatory requirements are being imposed when these appear to be based only on convention."

He said his aim was for updated regulations with a "clear basis in statute and policy".

The minister said requirements would only be kept if they were considered necessary and would be published so drivers, operators, passengers and future ministers could clearly understand the rules and where they came from.

Renouf said the review would also look at which parts of a 2015 reform into the taxi service were still unfinished.

He said there would be a full consultation with the industry and relevant stakeholders, to deliver a framework that "best serves islanders".

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