Next Generation Taxi Safety Cameras
The Victorian Taxi Directorate has released new specifications for the next generation of taxi safety cameras to improve safety for taxi drivers and passengers across Victoria.
Frequently asked questions
When will the new specifications become industry standard?
The new specifications will become the standard for all safety cameras supplied to the Victorian taxi industry from 1 February 2010. Cameras that do not meet the specifications cannot be fitted to a taxi on or after this date.
Older safety cameras will be phased out; cameras that do not meet the new specifications must be replaced when the taxi they are fitted to is replaced, or sooner if the camera is faulty.
Taxis in regional areas serviced by 10 or more taxis (such as Traralgon, Morwell, Wangaratta, Wodonga, Warrnambool and Mildura) must have a safety camera that meets the new specifications fitted by 31 December 2010.
Taxis operating in areas that are serviced by less than 10 taxis will not be required to have safety cameras, but taxi operators will have the option to fit cameras that meet the new specifications if they choose.
How were the new taxi safety camera specifications developed?
In August 2007, the Minister for Public Transport announced a strategy to improve safety in the workplace for Victoria's taxi drivers.
This strategy was the result of recommendations arising from the
2006-07 Taxi Industry Safety Taskforce and included a commitment to develop specifications for the next generation of taxi cameras.
In late 2008, the VTD released a draft Function and Performance Specifications for a Taxi Safety Camera System paper, for comment by industry representatives, manufacturers and suppliers.
These specifications reflect previous work at a national level to improve taxi camera capability and performance, and seek to capitalise on advances in technology since the original camera specifications were developed in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
What are the key elements of the new specifications?
The new cameras will be simpler in their operating characteristics, and will provide superior performance to the existing models. The increased memory capacity of new cameras will also assist police investigations.
What is required of the camera suppliers?
Camera suppliers are required to read the
Approval Requirements (PDF, 768 KB, 10 pp) document and then complete the Statement of Compliance which is available in
Word format (690 KB, 34 pp) or
PDF format (315 KB, 34 pp).
How much will the new cameras cost?
The Victorian Taxi Directorate currently working with safety camera suppliers to determine the cost of new cameras.
Download the specifications
If you have any further questions, please
contact the VTD.