A new law for taxi drivers could leave more than 450 of them out of work, a union spokesman has warned.

The Taxis Bill, aimed at improving safety and standards in the industry, is being debated in the assembly.

It will make it easier to clamp down on illegal drivers and will allow taxis to pick up fares without a booking.

Environment Minister Arlene Foster told the assembly she could not see why it would lead to redundancies, given the increased demand for taxis in Belfast.

Her department claims the proposals will improve safety and improve industry standards.

However, Sean Smith of the Transport and General Workers Union said he believed the bill would put drivers out of a job and destroy the industry.

"The DoE are not telling the MLAs the truth, that there are people opposed to this," Mr Smith said.

"This whole legislation will destroy the taxi industry as we know it in Northern Ireland.

"It'll create jobs for bureaucrats and civil servants while putting 450 Belfast taxi drivers on the dole."

Public hire taxis drove to Stormont to protest at the plans as the move was being debated in the chamber.

The legislation has divided taxi drivers. The private hire sector - those that take bookings through depots - are more supportive.

The proposed legislation passed its second stage at Stormont on Tuesday. But it may yet be amended at committee stage.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/6239608.stm