When the new decision comes into force, local authorities will again be able to issue permits and driver passes
Soon, taxi companies will again have the opportunity to apply for new permits and driver passes from local authorities. The Flemish government has reinstated the implementing decree of the Taxi Decree, after it had previously been annulled by the Council of State. As soon as the new decree has been published in the Belgian Official Gazette, it will come into effect.
The Department of Mobility and Public Works will inform the taxi sector, local authorities and other parties involved as soon as this takes place. Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works, Lydia Peeters, stated: “Taxis play an important role in our mobility. We have therefore made every effort to have an amended decision take effect as soon as possible, in the interest of the sector. I am delighted that we succeeded.”
destruction
On March 30, 2023, the Council of State annulled the implementing decree of the Taxi Decree following a petition for annulment filed by the taxi sector itself. The decision was set aside on purely procedural grounds. As a result, both the operating conditions of the Decree and the procedures for obtaining permits and driver passes were no longer in force.
“When the new decision comes into force, local authorities will again be able to issue permits and driver passes. The Department of Mobility and Public Works will inform the taxi sector and local authorities when the new decree enters into force. We hope for a quick publication in the Belgian Official Gazette, after which it will automatically come into effect,” said Minister Peeters.
Taxi drivers and operators who were already in possession of a valid driver's pass and permits could continue to carry out their activities in accordance with the decree on individually remunerated passenger transport. Despite the annulment of the executive order, their permits and driver passes remained valid.
Flemish minister Lydia Peeters has expressed herself maximum effort to restore the decision as soon as possible, in view of the interest of the taxi industry. Urgency has been urged at every step. Today the Flemish Government has given final approval to restore the taxi legislation. Now all that remains is to wait for the publication in the Belgian Official Gazette before the new decree takes effect.
Pending the entry into force of the recovery decision, the Flemish Government approved a decision in May allowing taxi operators to apply for a bridging loan via VLAIO (Flemish Agency for Innovation & Entrepreneurship of the Flemish government). Companies that run into financial problems due to the temporary destruction can apply for a bridging loan from VLAIO. More info: www.vlaio.be/overbruggingslening.
