Douglas Council has reversed its stance on deregulating the Isle of Man's taxi trade.

Councillors have been behind the move for a number of years but, with a Tynwald debate on the issue due to conclude next month, the latest submission from the town hall says it could no longer support an all-Island licensing authority.

Leader of the Council David Christian (pictured) says taxi users haven't indicated there's a need for deregulation, and if more taxi licences are to be issued they must be justified.

He told Manx Radio:

"That doesn't mean to say we are against additional taxi licences being issued in the Douglas or eastern area, but it must be on a need basis.

"It must have been identified that proper surveys have been undertaken to justify new licences being issued.

"We don't support now deregulation of taxi licences, and we will support additional licences being issued within the Douglas and eastern area, providing the need has been met."