Deputy Catherine Curtis wants Jersey's government to update the law to stop illegal taxis operating through Facebook groups,
Illegal taxi services in Jersey could soon be prosecutable.
Deputy Catherine Curtis wants to update the island's Motor Traffic Law, to prosecute 'uninsured drivers' operating through Facebook groups.
Deputy Curtis says 'clearly' it’s not just a group of friends giving each other lifts, but rather regular drivers advertising their availability, and earning a living by operating as illegal taxis.
She says members of the public using this service may be young, and vulnerable following a night out. Official taxi and cab drivers are required to have an enhanced DBS check.
Additionally, she says the drivers are uninsured for operating lifts and it can assumed they are not paying tax on their earnings.
The deputy notes that two Facebook groups have a combined membership of 42,000 people.
"The main concern is that there could be an accident which is not covered by insurance, or an assault on a member of the public."
The proposed change would mean both those paying for and those offering the lifts would be subject to a fine.
Drivers could face up to £10,000, an users up to £1,000.
The deputy's proposals will come before the States for a vote in the spring.
She wants ministers to have finalised a change to the law by March 2027.
'Concerning' e-bike rider not stopping for police
Scottish man (27) jailed for smuggling £17,500 worth of cocaine to Jersey
Landslip closes of parts of the Railway Walk
3 in 4 Jersey cats not microchipped or registered incorrectly
Guernsey and Jersey politicians discuss air and sea links
Opera House contractor chosen for Jersey Airport redevelopment
Jersey's Health Insurance Fund 'not sustainable'
'Jersey must be stopped from sleepwalking into cashless economy'
Comments
Add a comment