If your go for a Christmas night out in Dublin this year don’t bank on getting a late night taxi. Cabs could be in short supply this festive season for the simple reason that drivers can no longer afford their insurance.

This is the claim of Fianna Fail Dublin councillor Paul McAuliffe who believes the capital could be faced with a Taxi shortage leading to longer waiting times. He says, “I’ve spoken to many taxi drivers, and the story is the same. Many are leaving the business because the cost of their motor insurance is continuing to rise. In one instance, a man interested in putting a disability-friendly taxi on the road was unable to even get a quote for insurance."

Councillor McAuliffe has also warned of the dangers of turning to unlicensed operators. “We cannot go back to the time when getting a taxi was a lucky dip on a weekend night. It’s bad for everyone, and it, unfortunately, can lead to people’s personal safety being put at risk if they are forced to walk home.”

The councillor also points out, “Dubliners need a functioning taxi industry. It cannot become a luxury like it was in the past. It’s a core requirement for a modern, open, European capital city. There was a lot of noise made earlier this year about the Cost of Motor Insurance Working Group recommendations. While the rise in premium prices for motorists has slowed, the same cannot be said for those in need of commercial, taxi insurance.”