Safer cabbies

Date: 6/3/2006
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Mudgee taxi drivers have welcomed a review of penalties for fare evasion and other offences saying such crimes are regular in Mudgee.

The new measures will be introduced by the State Government to strengthen safety and security in the taxi industry.

Moves are underway to create 22 new 'Secure Taxi Ranks' with security guards employed to patrol late at night in metropolitan, rural and regional locations.

And the use of security cameras will become mandatory, however, the cameras are already in use in the Mudgee region with taxi drivers saying the cameras have successfully identified fare evaders and other offenders committing crime.

Ken Byrnes of Mudgee Radio Cabs said the fines for fare evasion and other offences should be taken to the maximum.

"We get it fairly regularly in Mudgee, but the cameras get the fare evasions," he said.

Minister for Transport, John Watkins, said the government had worked closely with the Taxi Council and driver representatives to develop the new measures.

"Our taxi drivers deserve to be as safe as possible when they're at work," he said.

The 'Secure Ranks' trials were held over summer at Manly Beach, Wagga Wagga, Albury and Griffith and during the Tamworth Country Music Festival," Mr Watkins said.

"The communities involved showed great support for their local cab companies and for the trial - they've overwhelmingly backed them and asked that it continue."

Mr Watkins said the security ranks have proven they reduce anti-social behaviour and promote greater respect for other customers, cab drivers and surrounding property.

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