16—(1) The Department may by regulations provide, subject to such exceptions as may be prescribed—
(a)for the fixing of maximum rates or fares to be charged for, and the maximum for all other charges in connection with, the hire of taxis or the carriage of passengers for hire or reward by taxis (including, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, charges in respect of any kind of damage to taxis caused by passengers); and
(b)for preventing the driver of a taxi or any other person from demanding additional rates, fares or charges or more than the maximum rate, fare or charge so fixed.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), regulations under this section may, in respect of the carriage of passengers at separate fares, include provision for the fixing of the maximum rate or fare to be charged for or in respect of each passenger.
(3) Before the Department makes any regulations under this section, it shall take into consideration any recommendations made by the General Consumer Council for Northern Ireland
(4) A person who contravenes any provision of regulations made under this section is guilty of an offence.
Commencement Information
I1S. 16 in operation at 2.12.2015 for specified purposes by S.R. 2015/389, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1
I2S. 16 in operation at 31.5.2016 in so far as not already in operation by S.R. 2015/389, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. 3