PDM sides with Public Service License Drivers, Antiquated laws need upgrade

Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

#TurksandCaicos, November 10, 2023 – After outcry from Public Service Vehicle Operators, the People’s Democratic Movement is calling on the Government to adjust the Road Traffic ordinance to benefit the workers.

“The role of government is to work with the stakeholders, not against them,” said Robert Been, Deputy Party Leader in an open letter, days after a government meeting that laid down new rules for the drivers, including a requirement to retake a test they had already passed.

“The taxi drivers are also opposed to the idea of having to retake an exam for license renewal. They firmly support the notion that all previous license holders should be grandfathered in, allowing them to maintain their licenses without the need for re-examination,” he explained.

Been also echoed the drivers’ sentiments that this was unnecessary and spoke against the current laws which strip drivers of their licenses if they miss a 60-day renewal period.

“The PDM firmly believes that the proposal to cancel plates for non-compliance with the December 31st deadline each year is unduly excessive and harsh— ” he continued, “[we] are calling on the government to allow taxi operators to keep their license plates and impose a penalty/fine if the deadline is missed.”

The Deputy Leader also brought up other pressing issues he said were shared with him by operators including :

• The need for the creation of a new purpose-built Taxi Stand at the Providenciales International Airport;
• The proliferation of illegal taxis, which are not subject to the fees and regulations of registered drivers but cut into their profits;
• The proposition of a new rate system, determined not just by the traffic department, but other factors like fuel costs, maintenance expenses, and other fees associated with their business operations.

Been also called for the government to liaise with hotels so more lucrative transportation contracts could be spread around rather than with a small group of operators. He stressed too, that under the PDM, the revamp of the near 40-year-old ordinance would be a non-issue.

He said: “Under a PDM administration, we are committed to safeguarding the license plates of all taxi operators. We will implement measures to facilitate the transfer or inheritance of these plates, allowing family members the opportunity to carry on the legacy of their business.”