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 from 31 December 2008. 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 will be 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 must be purchased by the taxi operator for every licensed taxi operating in the metropolitan, outer suburban and urban taxi zones by
31 December 2008.
The driver protection screen
must be provided to the 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 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 new screens that are approved for additional vehicle make/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 will help operators in that regard.
Funding will only apply to one approved screen per licensed taxi.
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.
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 are 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 will 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 from 31 December 2008.
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?
No exemptions in the event that operators plan to replace their taxi in 2009.
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.
More information
Minimum requirements for approval; Transport (Taxi-cabs) Regulations 2005 (PDF, 68 KB, 6 pp).
For more information,
contact the Victorian Taxi Directorate.