Victorian Taxi Safety Strategy
A number of safety initiatives have been introduced.
Information on this page
- Improved driver education
- Security cameras
- Protection screens
- Taxi driver safety pack
- Driver support programs
- A safer workplace
- Ongoing taxi driver support and representation
- More information
Improved driver education
A new component of the reaccredited Course in Taxi Driving, specifically aimed at preventing and dealing with violent confrontation, was developed in 2008 and is completed by all new course applicants.
The Victorian Taxi Directorate is also undertaking regular audits of the quality of taxi driver training delivery and will ensure that testing standards are rigorously enforced.
Security cameras
A full review of camera technology was undertaken, leading to new specifications for the next generation of taxi cameras.
Protection screens
To give taxi drivers additional safety when working during the late night and early morning hours, it is now mandatory for every taxi to have a driver protection screen installed between 10 pm and 5 am in the metropolitan, outer suburban and urban taxi zones.
Taxi driver safety pack
The Victorian Government has provided all active taxi drivers with a package of safety-related material, including a driver safety card and handbook:
- Taxi Driver Emergency Information Card (PDF, 249 KB, 2 pp.)
- Taxi Driver Safety: Your Guide to a Safer Workplace (PDF, 699 KB, 16 pp.)
Driver support programs
Drivers are encouraged to use the following support services:
A safer workplace
WorkSafe Victoria is delivering a program of education and awareness around occupational health standards and requirements for taxi drivers, operators and networks. Visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au for more information.
Ongoing taxi driver support and representation
The VTD is building stronger channels to communicate with taxi drivers on important issues.
The Taxi Driver Forum has been established following a refresh of the Taxi Drivers Advisory Group. Appointed members from across the state of Victoria meet with the VTD on a regular basis to discuss a range of driver and government issues and initiatives.
The taxi drivers webpage has been designed so drivers have a central source of information which meets their needs.
More information
For more information: