World interest expressed in Perth's unique digital taxi cameras

16/2/99

Transport Minister Murray Criddle revealed today that the successful prosecutions using evidence from Perth's unique digital taxi cameras had brought a flood of inquiries from around the world.

"Perth was the first city in the world to have every taxi fitted with security cameras and although there was some criticism at the time, it has since proved to be a first-class initiative," Mr Criddle said.

"Our system is about to be installed in 1,000 taxis in Houston, Texas and there is widespread interest from other overseas parties in the technology.

"Prosecutions over the past couple of months have used images from the cameras and they became the primary evidence in the convictions of three men who brutally attacked taxi drivers.

"Without the cameras it might not have been possible to punish those offenders."

Mr Criddle said that since the cameras had been fitted, assaults on taxi drivers had dropped by more than 50 per cent and the behaviour of taxi passengers had generally improved.

The cameras, which were developed for Transport by Raywood Communications, were also attracting the attention of the South Australian and New South Wales Governments.

"Transport opted for the digital cameras because they have no moving parts, are durable and practical, and produce top-quality images," the Minister said.

"The cameras automatically take photographs of everybody who enters the taxi. They can be operated manually by the driver, work in all light conditions - even in total darkness - and are discreet.

"They are vandal-proof, because the images are stored separate from the camera, in a waterproof and fireproof container.

"The images are easily retrieved, but can only be downloaded by authorised personnel, which means they can't be used inappropriately."

Media contact: Doug Cunningham on 9321 7333