Taxis in cities to get security cameras

Photo / Herald on Sunday

Taxis in large towns and cities will be fitted out with security cameras from next year in an effort to improve safety, Transport Minister Steven Joyce says.

The cost of installing and operating the cameras will fall with taxi companies and drivers.

Cabinet had considered the issue and decided to mandate cameras in taxis.

Measures to tighten telecommunications requirements for taxis have also been approved to ensure drivers have around the clock communications support.

Taxi drivers working environments were no longer as safe as they once were, Mr Joyce said.

Since 2008 there had been a number of serious attacks on taxi drivers, two of which resulted in death.

Cameras were used in taxis in Australia's main cities.

"Overseas experience suggests that in-vehicle cameras could reduce violent and serious crime in taxis by 70 per cent and taxi fare evasion by 70 per cent," Mr Joyce said.

"In-vehicle cameras are widely supported among the industry, and while drivers can never be 100 per cent safe, these measures will make a significant reduction to the risks that drivers face."

The law was expected to be in force by the middle of next year.

- NZPA