Reforms target taxis

Unprofessional taxi drivers could face tougher penalties, including the suspension of their licence, under the Taxi Driver Licensing Bill tabled in Parliament last week.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell said the long-awaited law reform was an important milestone for the industry.

“It will deliver substantial reform to improve standards across the industry and how it is regulated, including the introduction of a Taxi Driver Penalty Point System,” he said.

“While the framework to make these changes was introduced today (Thursday), broad consultation with the industry will continue on the finer details of the regulations, including issues around the offenses, penalty points and periods of disqualification.”

Bunbury Taxi director Graeme Liebeck supported the legislation, saying it was a step in the right direction.

“If people do the wrong thing there should be a points system to monitor it,” he said.

“Drivers who overcharge, don’t wear a uniform or refuse to help elderly people deserve to have their points docked.”

Mr Liebeck said taxi driving was a difficult, but necessary, profession.

“Our job is to cart people around, but without people who drink alcohol, we wouldn’t have a job,” he said.

“There are two sides to the story — we put up with a lot of stuff, but this Bill is important.

“I support it and hope it makes a difference by making drivers more accountable.”

Mr Buswell anticipates it will take 12 months for the consultation process to be finalised, before a six-month transition period would commence.

He expects the penalty point regime to start in 18 months, after the development of IT systems, compliance protocols, licence adminisTransport Minister Troy Buswell tration and driver education.