Heavy fines to enforce cameras in cabs

Taxi drivers could face hefty fines if they flout rules making security cameras compulsory.

The fines are among measures being developed by the New Zealand Transport Agency after the Cabinet agreed to make cameras in taxis compulsory in a bid to improve driver safety after a spate of attacks.

Submissions on the rule change have closed, with about 30 received. NZTA will use them to finalise the rule, before sending it to Transport Minister Steven Joyce for approval.

The rule would make it compulsory for taxis in main centres to have security cameras.

But, in its latest magazine, the New Zealand Taxi Federation warned drivers they would face hefty fines if they ignored the law change.

Taxis that do not install a camera will face a maximum $2000 fine for the individual, and up to $10,000 for the company, while disabling the camera would incur similar fines, plus 20 demerit points for the driver.

Allowing unauthorised people to view footage would also incur similar fines.

Federation executive director Tim Reddish said the level of fines was not welcomed by drivers but was seen as a necessary part of the rule.

It would be expensive to install cameras – a cost that would be passed on to customers – and the risk of fines would ensure everyone obeyed the new rule. It comes into effect from February, and will require all cabs in affected areas to have cameras by August next year.

Having cameras would make drivers feel safer, he said.

Moves to get cameras in cabs came amid concerns about attacks on drivers, including two deaths since December 2008.

Fewer than 100 of New Zealand's 7000 taxis have cameras at present.

- © Fairfax NZ News