Taxi rampage reveals ‘concerns’ for drivers

Alex de Vos
Geelong Taxi Network has called on authorities to reform safeguards for drivers after an “experienced” cabbie allegedly wrecked the car of egg-throwing youths.
Network chief executive officer Peter Valentine said the incident had “uncovered” a range of “concerns” for drivers.
“Many drivers face unacceptable and unsavoury experiences with passengers who choose to treat drivers with little respect for the job they are performing and, accordingly, drivers find they’re on guard at all times,” Mr Valentine said.
A Geelong taxi driver allegedly chased four males after an egg was thrown at his car in Ryrie Street on Saturday.
Police allege the driver took a tyre lever from his taxi and smashed the youth’s car.
The driver, Alan Dengler later told a Melbourne newspaper he was “fed up” with years of abuse and police inaction.
Mr Valentine said he was “disappointed” the driver had taken the law into his own hands. He had cancelled the driver’s approval to operate under Geelong Taxi Network.
“Under no circumstances will the network support drivers who work outside of the rules and procedures or who choose to take law into their own hands,” Mr Valentine said.
He urged authorities to improve safety for drivers to avoid incidents spiralling out of control.
“Geelong Taxi Network is keen to pursue a better outcome via further discussions with the Victorian Taxi Directorate, police, council and politicians to minimise future incidents,” Mr Valentine said.
“People have to look well beyond this incident – quite clearly something has to be done.”
The incident has sparked the formation of a Facebook group but it as yet failed to rally support.
Three members have joined the group, named ‘Alan Dengler is a hero’, which was created by local spare parts worker Paul Williams.
Mr Williams said he “really admired” the driver “who took it upon himself to do what most would so love to do, chase down and teach someone a lesson who thought they could intimidate him”.
“I, too, have wanted to chase my fair share of idiots and teach them a bit of a lesson,” Mr Williams told the Independent.
“The worst thing is this guy will get into trouble and the idiots who continue to get away with being disrespectful.”
Police expect to charge the driver next week.