The National Transport Authority (NTA) has launched a 'Taxi Driver Respect' campaign, to encourage customers to respect their taxi driver.

The six-week national advertising campaign is going live across digital and social media platforms.

It will also appear on buses, bus shelters and on-board public transport in the coming weeks.

The NTA has said the campaign has been in development for a number of months.

Image: Julien Behal Photography

The objective is to engender a more positive working environment for drivers.

Anne Graham is CEO of the NTA: "The new awareness campaign highlights the fact that taxi drivers are not simply people who provide a vital service to the public.

"They are also our neighbours, our friends, our family, and members of our communities, and as such deserve respect.

"Drivers have a right to expect a working environment that is free of abuse and aggression.

Image: Julien Behal Photography

"We hope that through the roll out of this awareness campaign customers will realise that taxi drivers are not anonymous but are real people with loved ones. They provide a high-quality service day in and day out in cities and towns throughout Ireland.

"I would urge all taxi customers to be aware and respect their taxi driver as they undertake their journey in the day or at night."