Taxi boss: time too short for rushed screens

Alex de Vos
The region’s taxi network has accused State Government of fumbling its rush for compulsory security screens in taxis before January 1.
Geelong Taxi Network’s Peter Valentine said the deadline did not leave operators with enough time to cover manufacturing and installation of the safety windows.
“Three months for someone to design, test, manufacture and install the screens to comply with the Government’s specifications is not effective,” Mr Valentine said.
“We think the minister is rushing through the process. We’re not opposed to screens – we just want to make sure it’s done right.”
State Government called for the safety screens in June after a spate of attacks on drivers, including several assaults in Geelong and a fatal bashing in Melbourne.
Under the new rules, screens will be mandatory in taxis driven between 10pm and 5am in Melbourne and regional cities including Geelong.
Drivers will be able to choose whether they use the detachable screens during shifts.
The Government would pay half the $1350 cost of each screen.
Mr Valentine said the price would drop if the screens were “phased in” properly.
“Screens are available in Adelaide for about $300,” he said.
“At the moment there’s only two local suppliers making the screens. Manufacturers need more time to look at the specifications, which were only released three weeks ago.
“There’s a bit of a captive market.”
A Melbourne newspaper revealed this week Victorian Taxi Association would fight the Government’s order at Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Victorian Taxi Association chief executive Neil Sach said the authorised screen did not fit all types of taxis.
The safety of the screens had also not been tested to the association’s satisfaction, Mr Sach said.
A spokesperson for the Transport Minister had not responded to the Independent’s call for comment before the paper went to press yesterday afternoon.