Gardaí and the National Transport Authority are cracking down on illegally operated taxi services in the new year.
Members of the Kerry Roads Policing Unit came across an unlicenced hackney vehicle while out on patrol on January 1. The driver was found to be operating the vehicle for hire and reward without having undergone inspection by the National Transport Authority.
Gardaí are also investigating the motorist for a possible lack of insurance, which could see them hit with a hefty fine.
While many have tried to pass a private car off as a taxi, if they’re ever caught running without the right insurance and license, they could face jail time and a max of €5,000 in fines.
Standard taxi insurance supports both drivers and their customers and is usually a tad bit pricier due to the long periods workers spend on the roads. But it’s well worth the expense – if not for the peace of mind, then for avoiding the spate of legal trouble that comes when caught by Gardaí.
The document inspected by Gardaí
A Garda spokesperson said: “Kerry RPU in Dingle last night detected an unlicenced hackney vehicle being operated for hire and reward.
“Vehicle had not undergone an inspection by the National Transport Authority, therefore, not licenced to operate as a hackney. Prosecution to be considered by the NTA and driver also under Garda investigation for possible no insurance.”
The public is reminded that if they are ever in doubt when entering a taxi, they can double-check the driver and vehicle details on the TFI Driver Check App – available on all phones.
A number of fake taxi operators were caught in the Rebel County last year. Back in May, one chancer was nabbed running an illegal service in West Cork after Gardaí received reports of a spate of illegal taxis in the area.