Taxi driver protection screens
To give taxi drivers additional safety when working during the late night and early morning hours, it is mandatory for every taxi to have a driver protection screen available between 10 pm and 5 am in the metropolitan, outer suburban and urban taxi zones.
Information on this page
What we are doing
Driver protection screens are a mandatory purchase by taxi operators for every taxi in the metropolitan, outer suburban and urban taxi zones. This initiative will give drivers additional safety when working during the late night and early morning hours.In country areas, taxi drivers are often more familiar with their customers so protection screens are optional in these taxis.
Why we are doing it
Many new taxi drivers, particularly those who work at night, have expressed their desire to have a driver protection screen installed in the taxi they drive.This driver protection screen initiative has been designed with taxi drivers in mind, and they are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to improve the safety of their workplace.
Timelines
A Victorian Taxi Directorate-approved driver protection screen need to be purchased by the taxi operator for every licensed taxi operating in the metropolitan, outer suburban and urban taxi zones.The driver protection screen must be provided to any driver who will be driving between 10 pm and 5 am at a time and place which is reasonably convenient to the driver.Taxi operators are only exempt from purchasing a driver protection screen if there is not currently an approved screen for their type of taxi. When an approved screen becomes available for purchase, then operators have 45 days from approval of the screen to comply.
Funding
Taxi operators are required to fund the cost of the screen; however, the 6.1 per cent fare increase in December 2008 was introduced to help operators in that regard.
Frequently asked questions
What is a driver protection screen?
A protection screen is a partition which reduces the chance of a driver being attacked from behind by a passenger. Screens are made of clear polycarbonate, have different styles depending on the manufacturer and provide alternate means of providing driver/passenger separation.
Which driver protection screens have been approved?
Please note that TransitShield Australia Pty Ltd is under external administration and/or controller appointed. For further information, visit http://www.asic.gov.au
| Screen type | Models | Date | Contact phone number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Bodyguard MBGFG 6000 |
Ford Falcon BA-BF models licensed as taxi-cabs in Victoria. Ford Falcon FG model licensed as taxi-cabs in Victoria. |
5 February 2010 | (03) 9335 1551 |
| TransitShield Model TSATH05/a-401 [3/4 Shield] | 2005 and later model (i.e. current shape) Toyota HiAce/Commuter vehicles licensed as taxi-cabs in Victoria fitted with either the Access Seating Australia's conversion of the Jamieson Autofit conversion kit. | 28 Oct 2009 | TransitShield Australia Pty Ltd is under external administration and/or controller appointed. For further information, visit http://www.asic.gov.au |
| TransitShield Model TSATOY/A-201 | Toyota Avalon vehicles model years 2000 to 2006 licensed as taxi-cabs in VictoriaCondition 2 | 13 Oct 2009 | TransitShield Australia Pty Ltd is under external administration and/or controller appointed. For further information, visit http://www.asic.gov.au |
| TransitShield Model TSAHDN/A-301 | Holden Commodores VZ and VE and also Statesman and Caprice variantsCondition 1 | 13 Oct 2009 | TransitShield Australia Pty Ltd is under external administration and/or controller appointed. For further information, visit http://www.asic.gov.au |
| TransitShield Model TSAVIC08/a |
Ford Falcon BA to BF vehicles licensed as taxi-cabs in Victoria and the corresponding
|
13 Oct 2009 | TransitShield Australia Pty Ltd is under external administration and/or controller appointed. For further information, visit http://www.asic.gov.au |
| Grandwell Taxi Guard FDBF02 | Ford Falcon BA-BF vehicles licensed as taxi-cabs in VictoriaCondition 2 | 13 Oct 2009 | 1300 311 862 |
| Martin Bodyguard MBGTA 4000 | Toyota Avalon vehicles model years 2000 to 2006 licensed as taxi-cabs in VictoriaCondition 1 | 30 Jun 2009 | (03) 9335 1551(03) 9335 1552 |
| Khoto2001A | Toyota Avalon vehicles model years 2000 to 2006 licensed as taxi-cabs in VictoriaCondition 1 | 30 Jun 2009 | (03) 9328 1551 |
| TransitShield Model TSATOY-201 | Toyota Avalon vehicles model years 2000 to 2006 licensed as taxi-cabs in VictoriaCondition 1 | 30 Jun 2009 | TransitShield Australia Pty Ltd is under external administration and/or controller appointed. For further information, visit http://www.asic.gov.au |
| Martin Bodyguard MBGTH5000 | 2005 and later model (i.e. current model ) Toyota HiAce Vans that have an Access Seating Australia Pty Ltd (Model number A.S.A. - 04) rear facing seat as the second row of seats. Operators can confirm whether this screen is approved for their vehicle by checking for the Access Seating Australia Pty Ltd ID plate which is located on the upper metal support bar/structure behind the front seats.Condition 2 | 30 Jun 2009 | (03) 9335 1551(03) 9335 1552 |
| TransitShield Model TSAHDN-301 | Holden Commodores VZ and VE and also Statesman and Caprice variantsCondition 1 | 30 Jun 2009 | TransitShield Australia Pty Ltd is under external administration and/or controller appointed. For further information, visit http://www.asic.gov.au |
| Martin BodyGuard II |
Ford Falcon BA to BF vehicles licensed as taxi-cabs in Victoria and the corresponding
|
Dec 2008 | (03) 9335 1551(03) 9335 1552 |
| TransitShield Model TSAVIC08 |
Ford Falcon BA to BF vehicles licensed as taxi-cabs in Victoria and the corresponding
|
Dec 2008 | TransitShield Australia Pty Ltd is under external administration and/or controller appointed. For further information, visit http://www.asic.gov.au |
| Khoto 1001 X |
Ford Falcon BA to BF vehicles and the corresponding
|
Dec 2008 | (03) 9328 1551 |
| Khoto FG01 |
Ford Falcon FG vehicles licensed as taxi-cabs and the corresponding
|
Dec 2010 | (03) 9328 1551 |
Condition 1:
This approval is inclusive of vehicles fitted with side airbags (fitted within the driver's seat) but excludes those vehicles fitted with side curtain style airbags (fitted above the driver's side window/s).
Condition 2:
This approval is inclusive of vehicles fitted with front airbags but excludes those vehicles fitted with side curtain style airbags (fitted above the driver's side window/s) and side airbags deployed from the B Pillar or driver's seat.Installation of a hands-free intercom is recommended in conjunction with the TSATH05/a-401[3/4 Shield] screen. Operators are required to ensure the intercom remains fully operational at all times. For further information, contact 1300 852 264.
Condition 3:
This approval is inclusive of vehicles fitted with frontal driver and passenger airbags but excludes vehicles fitted with side airbags deployed from the driver's seat and side curtain style airbags (fitted above the driver's side window/s).
Condition 4:
This approval is inclusive of vehicles fitted with frontal driver and passenger airbags and side airbags deployed from the driver's seat but excludes vehicles fitted with side curtain style airbags (fitted above the driver's side window/s).Screens must be fitted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
What happens for taxis where there is currently no screen available?
Taxi operators are only exempt from purchasing a driver protection screen if there is not currently an approved screen for their type of taxi. When an approved screen becomes available for purchase, then operators have 45 days from approval of the screen to comply.
Does the taxi get inspected by the VTD after installation?
No. However, the VTD does conduct regular inspections on taxis for compliance with licence conditions and safety requirements.
Who will pay for the screens?
Taxi operators who purchased an approved driver protection screen by 31 December 2008 are eligible for the Government's 50 per cent subsidy on the cost of the screen. For screens that were approved for additional vehicle makes/models by the VTD between 31 December 2008 and 30 June 2009, the rebate will also apply for up to 45 days after approval of the screen.Taxi operators are required to fund the remaining cost of the screen; however, the 6.1 per cent fare increase in December 2008 was introduced to help operators in that regard.Funding will only apply to one approved screen per licensed taxi.What if I don't want to drive with a protection screen or my operator doesn't want to provide one?
It is mandatory for every taxi to have a driver protection screen available between 10 pm and 5 am in the metropolitan, outer suburban and urban taxi zones.Drivers can opt to remove it from the taxi and store it safely before starting their shift if they don't want to drive with it in, unless a driver's bailment agreement requires the fitment, use or permanent installation of an approved screen.
Are there any exemptions for vehicles that are coming up for replacement?
There are no exemptions in the event that operators plan to replace their taxi.
How long does a taxi have to be off the road for the screen to be fitted or removed?
For some screens, the taxi is only off the road for a matter of minutes to have the protection screen installed or removed. Other screens may take a little longer. The screens must be fitted in accordance with manufacturer instructions and checked for correct installation before the taxi can return to service.
For more information contact the Victorian Taxi Directorate.