Regulation 21 of the Principal Regulations is rescinded and the following regulations are substituted:

21.     Standard fares and charges

(1)  The standard fares and extra charges for the hire of a taxi are as set out in Schedule 4 .

21A.     Charging of fares

(1)  In this regulation –

fare includes extra charges;

passenger means a person hiring a taxi;

standard fare includes extra charges allowable under regulation 21 ;

special agreement means a taxi hiring agreement entered into between an intending passenger and one or more of the following:

(a) a driver;

(b) a responsible operator;

(c) an accredited taxi group.

(2)  A driver must not charge a passenger more than the standard fare for a hiring unless –

(a) a higher fare is authorised by a fare agreement; or

(b) a higher fare is authorised by a special agreement entered into, and approved by the Commission, before the hiring.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 10 penalty units.

(3)  A driver operating under a fare agreement must not charge a passenger more for a hiring than the fare authorised by that agreement.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 10 penalty units.

(4)  A driver must not charge a passenger for any period during which the taxi is delayed because of any of the following causes:

(a) a lack of fuel for the taxi;

(b) a mechanical breakdown of the taxi;

(c) a traffic accident involving the taxi;

(d) the lawful closure of a road or bridge, being a closure that was publicly notified in a newspaper before the hiring;

(e) the directions or other actions of a police officer or authorised officer who is investigating the commission or possible commission of an offence involving the driver or taxi;

(f) an event that the driver, with reasonable foresight, could have prevented or avoided.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 10 penalty units.

(5)  A driver may, before accepting any hiring, request the payment of a deposit not exceeding the expected cost of the hiring.