Taxi meeting in Derry today to discuss the installation of cameras to protect drivers and higher fare structures

A meeting looking at the future of the local taxi industry will be held in Derry later today.

The meeting has been organised by the Sinn Fein Foyle MP Elisha McCallion and will take place at the Rath Mor centre in Creggan at 1pm.

Speaking the Derry News ahead of the meeting, the Foyle MP said: “I felt it was important to have this meeting with local taxi drivers to let them know of the work I have been involved in and my efforts to help both the taxi industry and the night time economy of our city, and hear at first hand the concerns of the drivers.

“Over recent months I have been engaging with the taxi office owners and put forward suggestions around a higher fare structure particularly for drivers late at night.

“There are other initiatives such as the installation of cameras in vehicles to help the safety of the drivers.”

She added: “I have also been in contact with the Department of Infrastructure (DfI) about the low pass rates for drivers on the entrance exams and the impact this was having on bringing new people into the industry resulting in less cars on the road."