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Four members of Parliament from both government and opposition parties have proposed tightening requirements for obtaining a taxi driverโs license.
Their proposal targets non-EU citizens, aiming to ensure that only individuals holding a Czech or EU-issued driving license can operate as taxi drivers in the country.
The amendment to the governmentโs Road Transport Act was put forward by MPs Renรกta Zajรญฤkovรก (ODS), Patrik Nacher (ANO), Michal Zuna (TOP 09), and Jakub Michรกlek (Pirates).
According to their justification, the goal is to enhance road safety, citing concerns over an increasing number of foreign taxi drivers who struggle with local driving conditions.
Statistics Highlight Rising Foreign Driver Numbers
The report notes that out of nearly 15,000 taxi driver licenses issued, only 55% are held by Czech citizens. More than 6,000 permits have been issued to Ukrainians, over 1,100 to Uzbek nationals, and 117 to Nigerians.
โThere are growing complaints that some taxi drivers face challenges navigating heavy traffic and adhering to road rules, which jeopardizes passenger and public safety,โ the report states. It also points out that foreign drivers often rely heavily on navigation systems due to a lack of familiarity with local geography, particularly in Prague.
Focus on Pragueโs Challenges
MP Renรกta Zajรญฤkovรก explained that the proposal responds to concerns about drivers unfamiliar with Czech transport systems, particularly in Prague. She noted that many foreign drivers, particularly from former Soviet states like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, and some from Africa, currently use driving licenses issued in their home countries.
According to Zajรญฤkovรก, data from Prague indicates that these drivers are involved in a disproportionate number of traffic accidents. She stressed that the amendment seeks to clarify driver records and improve public safety.
Patrik Nacher, a co-sponsor of the proposal, also pointed out that some taxi operators hire foreign drivers to cut costs, often bypassing local licensing requirements. The proposed amendment aims to include foreign driversโ licenses in the police database, providing authorities with better oversight.
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