Posted on the 20th July 2026 in PHTM News

ISLE OF MAN FACES DEMANDS TO HALT NEW TAXI LICENCES OVER SAFETY CONCERNS

A veteran Isle of Man taxi driver has launched a petition urging the government to temporarily stop issuing new taxi licences following a series of alarming safety incidents.

Barry Murphy, who has worked in the local trade for 24 years, is calling for an immediate freeze on new Public Passenger Vehicle (PPV) applications until an independent review evaluates the island's licensing system.

Public confidence has been shaken by recent events, including a July court appearance where a 45-year-old driver was charged with soliciting sexual acts from a lone female passenger on the Mountain Road in exchange for a free fare.

Mr Murphy emphasised that his petition does not target existing drivers or daily operations, but focuses strictly on vetting newcomers. "A number of serious incidents involving licensed drivers in recent years have understandably shaken public confidence," Mr Murphy stated, adding that the goal is not to assign blame but "to establish whether the current system is as robust, transparent and effective as it can be."

The proposed review would examine whether background and criminal record checks are sufficient and if the Road Transport Licensing Committee (RTLC) communicates effectively with other government bodies.

Mr Murphy noted that if the system is found to be safe, the pause should be lifted immediately, but any necessary safety improvements must be implemented before new licences are granted. "This petition is not intended to unfairly restrict opportunities for prospective drivers," he said. "It is intended to place public safety first."

In response, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA), which oversees the RTLC, announced that officials will launch a detailed review of the legislation governing the taxi trade this summer, focusing on driver checks and the potential use of in-car CCTV.

While DEFA highlighted that drivers already undergo Enhanced DBS checks, they confirmed that legislative updates will be brought to Tynwald early in the new administration to create a more modern and effective regulatory framework.


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