5. LESLEY SOPER (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister for Transport Safety
What recent reports has he received about efforts to raise standards in the taxi industry?
Hon HARRY DUYNHOVEN (Minister for Transport Safety) Link to this
Land Transport New Zealand has advised me that members of its newly established taxi enforcement unit have taken part in two major police operations in Auckland over the past month, which have been greatly welcomed and commended by the New Zealand Taxi Federation. Although it was disappointing that a proportion of the taxis were found to be non-compliant, mostly relating to licensing offences, it is very pleasing to see that the impact of the new taxi enforcement team and the pressure that is continuing to be exerted are having an effect on non-compliant operators.
Hon HARRY DUYNHOVEN Link to this
This Labour-led Government is committed to regulating the taxi industry fairly and firmly in order to protect people. We have set in place a new legislative framework, the majority of which came into force in October. It sets in place new requirements for approved taxi organisations, including greater recording and reporting requirements, particularly around driver behaviour, and tougher area knowledge requirements for taxi drivers in Auckland and Wellington—long overdue. Combined with greater enforcement of standards and increasing support and cooperation from the industry, it is having a very positive effect.