Cameras make taxis safer for all
Tue 13 February 2007
Gail Loader, Journalism
Sunshine Coast taxi drivers can drive easier with Queensland government evidence showing that the installation of security cameras in taxis has made them safer.
Over 2900 cameras have been fitted in cabs in the major towns and cities across the state including Sunshine Coast taxis.
Premier Peter Beattie and Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Paul Lucas, said that the cameras were already assisting with catching criminals with footage from them assisting in 169 police investigations.
Mr Beattie said that the government is committed to ensuring the safety of taxi drivers and passengers.
He said that interstate taxi-related crime had been cut by around 50 per cent following the installation of security cameras there, but it is too early for clear crime figures in Queensland.
“(The security system) installed in Queensland cabs is the world’s best and provides excellent image quality that can be used as evidence in court,” Mr Beattie said.
Crimes caught on camera so far include five assaults with robbery, 17 thefts, 51 assaults, 91 fare evasions and 24 acts of vandalism.
Minister Paul Lucas said that the real value of the cameras is the crimes that are not committed because would-be offenders know they are on camera and will almost certainly be caught by police.
However, there are privacy restrictions on the camera images and only police
or authorised personnel can download the images.
“People out on the town, having some fun without committing an offence need not be concerned about their images appearing anywhere,” Mr Lucas said.
The cameras are tamper-proof and secure, he said.
“All cameras are fitted with infra-red lighting so images can be taken in any lighting,” Mr Lucas said.
“They can be triggered either manually or by a duress alarm.”
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