The winner of Belfast’s and Ireland’s first ‘Taxi Driver of the Year’ competition was announced by John Moore, President of the Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce. Glengormley driver Paul McKnight received the highest marks from his passengers and was declared winner, receiving £1000 worth of fuel vouchers sponsored by local insurer Europa General. The prize for runner-up Kevin Dornan, from Newtownabbey was a 50% discount on a Europa General insurance premium.

Passengers across the city were invited to mark drivers on knowledge, courtesy, helpfulness, presentation, safety and comfort. Paul beat off stiff competition to win the top prize with passengers noting his commitment to quality service and unique local insight to what’s on in the city.

The competition, run by Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce, was sponsored by media partner U105.8FM with prize sponsorship by local insurer Europa General. Local taxi and tour operator West Belfast Taxis also gave their endorsement.

After learning of his victory in the competition Paul said, “I am delighted to be the first winner of Belfast Taxi Driver of the Year. I would like to thank all those customers who made the effort to vote for me. The prize will definitely help keep my fuel bill down for a month or two and I would urge all drivers to get involved next year.”

Passengers were able to nominate their favourite driver by filling in a nomination available in taxis across the city. The initiative also saw a number of spin-off mini-competitions on U105.8FM with ‘Tune into Win Competition’ and a ‘Top Taxi Trivia Quiz’ with prizes for taxi drivers listening in.

Congratulating Paul, Carolyn Stewart from U105.8FM said: “Everyone knows that taxi drivers are our city’s most colourful characters and this competition rewards those who take pride in the their role as ambassadors for Belfast. Paul was a very deserving winner but we had an amazing range of customer comments for many drivers and it was clear that the public can recognise service that strives to reach the highest standard.”

Simon Rotherham, Europa General said: “We were proud to sponsor this competition which recognises the high standards we have all come to know and expect from Belfast’s taxi drivers. As a firm with strong connections to the city, and to the taxi industry, we at Europa General were proud to recognise the many drivers who place great emphasis on their customer service. I hope the £1000 worth of fuel will keep Paul on the road for a few weeks and will be a welcome boost for the Christmas period.”

Stephen Long, West Belfast Taxis said: “As one of the main public transport operators in the city, through our taxis and tours, we are delighted to support this competition. Although Paul doesn’t work as a black cab driver I offer him warm congratulations and I hope his example will lead to many drivers throughout the city rising to the challenge in next year’s competition.”

President of the Chamber of Trade and Commerce John Moore added: “Taxi drivers are the very first people that many visitors to the city encounter. As Belfast’s position as Ireland’s premier retail and visitor location is strengthened we felt this competition should reward those drivers who go the extra mile. I would like to congratulate the winner and runner-up and look forward to seeing a similar high standard of entry next year.”