Northern Ireland’s Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard has announced a full and comprehensive review of taxi legislation.

Mr Hazzard announced the review at an inaugural meeting with representatives of the new Northern Ireland Taxis (NIT) group.

He said: “Much work has already been carried out to help build a safe and professional taxi industry that benefits the hundreds of operators, drivers and administrative staff who work in the industry and to the hundreds of thousands of people who use taxis regularly.

“There are still many challenges ahead, however, I am determined to support and grow the industry through legislation that protects the industry itself and its customers.

“Metering remains a central plank of how taxis will be regulated in the future and current requirements remain in place.”

He highlighted concerns around licensing classifications for taxis and reiterated that Class C is intended for use by, for example wedding, funeral and novelty vehicles and not as a general taxi class.

A taxi advisory group will be established to develop the review, which will take into account the views of local operators and drivers, as well as those of the general public and other key stakeholders.

New legislative proposals are expected to be brought forward for public consultation next Spring.