Unlicensed taxi drivers should face tougher penalties in Jersey, a politician has said. Deputy Catherine Curtis has put forward a proposition calling for the Motor Traffic (Jersey) Law 1935 to be updated so illegal taxi services can be prosecuted more easily, says the BBC.

Curtis said unregulated and uninsured drivers had become a threat to licensed services, a “potential risk” to passengers and drivers and contributed to a loss of revenue through untaxed earnings. She added the law’s current wording was “inadequate for effective prosecution”. The earliest her proposal will be debated by States members is 24 March.

In her proposition, Curtis said she would like drivers who advertise lifts or people who offer payment for an unlicensed service to face a fine.

She also suggested rewording the law to make it an offence to operate or facilitate a lift-sharing service without authorisation.

Curtis said multiple Facebook groups called Jersey Lifts had been offering unregulated services to thousands of members.

“The main concern is that there could be an accident which is not covered by insurance, or an assault on a member of the public,” Curtis said.

“Often members of the public using this service may be young and especially vulnerable following a night out.”

Curtis added she had spoken to representatives of Jersey Taxi Drivers Association, taxi firms, police, legal professionals and the Law Officers Department and said there was “a will to bring this matter under control”.

She said she understood why some people might use the lift services due to concerns about the price of taxis.

“But having said that, the taxi drivers have to pay for all their customer care requirements and special equipment,” Curtis said.

“If we want to have a safe taxi service, we have to pay for it.

“I do believe sometimes the illegal taxis are not really cheaper anyway, so it’s a matter of trying to make a good choice.”

(Picture: Mapillary)