Rejection of taxi cameras backed

The former employer of a murdered Christchurch taxi driver has backed the Government's move to reject compulsory security cameras for taxis.

United Taxis office manager Lynne Ellwood said installing cameras would be costly and may have made little difference in the Christchurch case.

"If they want to injure someone or not pay their fare, it's going to happen," she said.

However, the New Zealand Taxi Federation, which represents 90 companies and 3500 drivers throughout New Zealand, says cameras are the best deterrent to violent attacks.

The federation pushed for mandatory security cameras after last December's murder of Christchurch father-of-five Abdulrahman Ikhtiari, who worked for United Taxis, and the bashing of Taranaki driver Tony Brosnan in January.

The Government yesterday rejected the federation's plea and announced a crackdown on companies that flouted laws requiring them to have 24-hour communication with all working drivers.

Transport Minister Steven Joyce said he was concerned about the cost of installing the cameras about $1000 a cab.

Of 30 non-federation taxi organisations, only five supported the move.

A code of practice will be developed for driver safety, and companies will be reminded of their legal responsibilities.

Federation executive director Tim Reddish, of Wellington, said Joyce lacked political courage.

"He's had a chance to really address the issue but he's chosen to back away from it," he said.

"What he should have done was make them compulsory because of the safety issue. It's no different to airlines."

An Ikhtiari family spokesman declined to comment.

The 100-strong fleet of United Taxis, which is not a member of the federation, does not have alarm systems or cameras.

Ellwood said her company complied with rules on being in 24-hour contact with working drivers.

Joyce said safety screens, security cameras and distress buttons in taxis were the choice of drivers and companies.

Ikhtiari, 39, died from a stab wound to the chest in central Christchurch on December 6.

Randell Legion Wiremu Brown, 20, and a 16-year-old Christchurch youth, who cannot be named because of his age, have been committed to stand trial for Ikhtiari's murder.