Lynbrook reviews taxi law

By Clarissa Hamlin

Village officials are examining their taxicab law, according to Mayor Bill Hendrick, who informally announced the news at village board meeting on June 6.

Specifically, the board is considering updating their safety standards for all village taxis. Under the current law, the village only manages current transportation rates, according to Deputy Mayor Alan Beach. But they want to take a more active role in ensuring that the village’s cabs are hazard-free.

“The taxi law is outdated,” Beach said. “What we want is to look into making sure that cabs are safer.”

The village’s police department already inspects any taxis before a license for the cab itself is issued, according to police chief Joseph Neve. Drivers and transportation company owners are also fingerprinted, and must be licensed by Nassau County. Also, a felony conviction would prevent any potential drivers from obtaining a license. However, officials are concerned that is not enough and further work could be done. “We want to be more aware of what’s going on with the whole process,” Beach said.

A large part of why the law is being discussed is that it has not been updated in recent months , and because other neighboring villages have stricter rules, officials said.

Stronger regulations could also prevent certain illegal activities, like drivers re-painting, and using New York city taxis within the village, Beach noted. Only a certain amount of city taxis are allowed to go out, which is a lot safer, he noted.

Beach suggested that the village’s Department of Public Works start inspecting vehicles during a work session on June 6.

David O’ Neill, a resident and owner of Village Car Service in Lynbrook, also attended the meeting. O’Neill suggested that it would be beneficial for any revamping of the village’s code to include drug testing for drivers.

“If they add to the code, Lynbrook drivers should get Nassau County Taxi and Limo commission licenses and be drug-free,” O’ Neill said. He also noted that residents could be reassured with safer requirements for drivers. He noted it’s important to make sure all drivers are United States citizens, and New York state residents.

As of yet, officials have reached no agreement, and are putting off making any decisions until after village attorney Peter Ledwith reviews the matter.

“We put a moratorium on it because we threw ideas around to review, and we want to put together a law best for our village,” Beach said.

No possible rate increases have been discussed, and Hendrick publicly said the village hopes not to raise fares. The village’s police department provides a “law enforcement” perspective, and information about license qualifications and procedures, as well as regulatory necessities apart of the discussions.