Deputy Kristina Moore said ‘legitimate not-for-profit’ car-sharing is not illegal and has benefits but warned that drivers operating illicit, unlicensed taxi services for money could be prosecuted and face fines of up to £10,000.
Jersey Lifts and Jersey Lifts 2.0 are two Facebook pages used by Islanders to ask for, advertise and arrange lifts – often in exchange for money. Jersey Lifts, which was set up in 2012, has more than 10,800 users.
Although more than 20 drivers have been questioned by the States police in connection with offering unlicensed lifts for money, no-one has ever been prosecuted.
In the States, Deputy Moore faced calls from several Members to crack down on the issue. She told the Assembly: ‘It is important to state, firstly, that not all of the activity on Jersey Lifts is illegal. Legitimate, not-for-profit lift-sharing is within the law, good for the environment, improves accessibility for people without a car and reduces the likelihood of drink-driving.
‘Where there is illegal activity however, such as unlicensed taxi services being offered, strict penalties are provided for in the Motor Traffic (Jersey) Law 1935 with fines up to £10,000.’
