More than 50 people in Waterford convicted of operating unlicensed taxies last year
Close up of a taxi sign
The National Transport Authority successfully prosecuted 58 cases of operating unlicensed taxis in Waterford in 2024.
That is according to figures released to the Waterford News and Star following a request for information.
A total of 121 convictions were sought by the NTA in 2024.
Those were the result of audits or inspections, with the NTA receiving no complaints from the public last year.
The NTA carried out 174 audits and 1,909 checks in 2024.
It is a criminal offence to operate an SPSV or Small Public Service Vehicle without a license.
SPSVs are taxis, hackneys and limousines.
The penalty on conviction can be a fine of up to €5,000.
The NTA operates a database of SPSVs in Ireland, and its job is to ensure compliance with the legislation.
The NTA has a team of compliance officers who investigate complaints and carry out routine checks.
As well as bringing cases against unlicensed operators, compliance officers can issue on-the-spot penalties for fixed payment offences and offer advice.
Members of An Garda Síochána are also warranted as authorised persons.
The SPSV database feeds into the NTA public safety app, Driver Check, so users can verify the licence and registration status of any SPSV they intend to hire.
