Changes to taxi licence plate ownership conditions announced today

12/11/96

Perth's fleet of more than 1,000 taxis will be on the road all night on Fridays and Saturdays from mid-December under changes to taxi licence plate ownership conditions announced today.

Transport Minister Eric Charlton said the changes were a response to community demand for more taxis to be available at night and at weekends.

"The changes mean the owners of taxi licence plates must make sure cabs licensed in their names are on the road between 6pm and 6am on Friday and Saturday nights," Mr Charlton said.

"But it doesn't mean taxi owners will have to work longer hours.

"Perth has just over 1,000 licensed taxis and about 3,500 drivers. So taxi owners who don't want to work Friday and Saturday nights will be able to get anther driver to drive their cab for them.

"This means a better service for the people of Perth and tourists who have become increasingly frustrated at being unable to get a taxi when they want one.

"Taxi customers will welcome the changes which will be in place in time for the Christmas celebrations. It will also be popular with the theatre, cinema, restaurant, retail and hotel industries."

Mr Charlton said there would be other changes aimed at improving the quality of service including restricting the age of taxis and setting minimum hours of operation.

Early next year there would also be camera surveillance in all taxis which would provide a safer working environment for drivers.

"The Department of Transport has field-tested six types of cameras and is currently finalising specifications before calling tenders," Mr Charlton said.

Media Contact: Sally Squires, Tel: 321 7333; pager: 482 5786