Motorists in Jersey could be hit with fines of up to £1,000 and stripped of their driving licences for failing to comply with new rules.
The State Assembly in Jersey has backed measures that could see unlicensed taxi operators hit with fines for improper road usage.
The proposals, approved by 36 States members with four abstentions and none voting against, aim to make the prosecution of illegal cab services more straightforward.
Under the planned changes to the Motor Traffic (Jersey) Law 1935, those found guilty of running unauthorised taxi operations face a level three fine on the standard scale, which equates to £1,000, alongside potential imprisonment of up to 12 months and disqualification from holding a licence.
The vote follows growing concerns about unregulated lift-sharing services operating across the island without proper oversight or insurance coverage.
Deputy Catherine Curtis, who lodged the proposition, has raised an alarm about services that advertise through social media platforms without any regulatory oversight.
The Facebook groups in question boast substantial memberships, with one having around 14,000 users and another having 28,000, where drivers regularly post their availability and fares.
Ms Curtis told the BBC: “It seems like a friendly way to do things, and it probably often is, but there are huge risks involved and at some point something is going to go terribly wrong if we don’t stop it.”
Under the new rules, unlicensed taxi drivers can be slapped with hefty fines
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PA/GETTYShe emphasised that these operators undergo no DBS background checks, leaving passengers potentially vulnerable, particularly young people travelling home after nights out.
The deputy also pointed to lost tax revenue, noting that earnings from such services go unreported, with as much as £1million estimated to have been unclaimed.
Despite backing the crackdown, several politicians voiced frustration with the island’s existing taxi provision and pricing structure.
Deputy Jonathan Renouf argued that half the population wonders why Jersey lacks an Uber-equivalent service, stating: “We should be responding to that, we need to deliver a service that works for people.”
New rules will be brought in before March 2027
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GETTYDeputy Kirsten Morel, the minister for sustainable economic development, was equally critical, arguing that islanders have turned away from licensed cabs because the current offering fails to meet their requirements.
Mick Tostevin, secretary of the Jersey Taxi Drivers Association, pushed back against criticism of pricing on the island.
“Taxis aren’t cheap in Jersey; they are quite expensive, but the regulation that surrounds the taxis that the drivers have to go through to be taxi drivers includes garage bills, insurance, and the expense of running a taxi is a lot,” he said.
Mr Tostevin noted that a journey from Weighbridge to Georgetown costs roughly the same as a pint, which can run to £7 or £8 in local pubs.
Experts have estimated £1million is lost in revenue from illegal taxi operators | GETTY
Licensed operators must meet stringent requirements, including annual vehicle inspections, enhanced DBS checks renewed yearly, medical assessments, customer service training, and disability awareness courses.
The approval means Jersey’s incoming Government must now revise the Motor Traffic (Jersey) Law 1935 or introduce fresh legislation to enable effective prosecution of those running illegal cab operations.
The deadline for bringing forward the necessary legal changes has been set for March 31 2027.