Taxi drivers have been given a six-month grace period to install working GPS amid concerns many are driving around with faulty systems.Transport Minister Derrick Burgess yesterday said numerous operators have purchased systems which don’t work properly, meaning they failed the licence renewal process at TCD.Following complaints from drivers who can’t afford to shell out twice for the equipment in the economic crisis, Mr Burgess said Government is now extending the licence deadline from the end of January to the middle of the year.It’s thought up to 100 vehicles are currently using faulty GPS.Taxi owner Lee Tucker said many systems have not been working due to inadequate signals.But Mr Tucker argued most complaints stem from drivers being selected for jobs from the wrong location, as GPS doesn’t take into account the Island’s geographical characteristics.For example, for jobs in Dockyard, he said the system selects drivers in Spanish Point ahead of those in Southampton, because it’s a shorter distance as the crow flies.In a press conference yesterday, Mr Burgess told the media: “In the last few weeks some taxi operators have failed the process to retain their licence due to a faulty GPS.“We have received numerous visits and pleas from taxi owners who have purchased systems that were not operational and find it an extreme burden to secure enough finances to purchase another device.“As we remain in this economic downturn, the Ministry of Transport is sensitive to the plight of those who have paid out a considerable amount of money only to find out that the product was faulty.“As a result, the Ministry of Transport will extend a six months grace period to all taxi operators who have not had their licence renewed as a result of a defective GPS.“Having said that let me reiterate, that all of these affected operators must work to find solutions to this dilemma. After the six months grace period, we will be monitoring the equipment in taxis attentively.”Mr Burgess said after the six-month grace period drivers would face punishment under the Motor Car Act, which allows for a $1,400 fine for every day their offence continues.“I have implemented a six months grace period so that individual taxi operators can get their GPS systems and Mobile Data Terminals in good working order,” he said.“My advice to all taxi operators who are non-complaint is that they use this grace period to diligently resolve their GPS issues.“We have been sympathetic to the plight and encourage all owners to take this opportunity to do the right thing and this means that they will ensure that they have a working GPS and Mobile Data Terminal within the six-month period.”GPS legislation was passed seven years ago, despite complaints from drivers; the deadline for taxis to implement the technology was June 2010.Mr Tucker, the former spokesman for Bermuda Taxi Operations Association, has long campaigned against compulsory GPS.He said yesterday: “The signals aren’t working properly in the GPS systems. At certain times you lose it and at other times it gives you wrong information.”Mr Tucker requested a meeting with Mr Burgess so he could outline his concerns about the implementation of GPS.He said: “I want to see the Minister drive one of the taxis round himself so he can see exactly what kind of problems we’re having. Then we can sit down and sort out a system that works.“I’ve always said GPS shouldn’t be compulsory. If you want it, you can have it. But why should you have to pay for it if you can work better without it?”