What can be done to ensure the safety of our taxi drivers?

The topic reared its ugly head after yet another driver was assaulted on Friday night.

According to Cootamundra Cabs Manager, Merilyn Jackson this attack marks the fourth of its kind on her drivers since April.

A 17-year-old female, believed to have been intoxicated, assaulted the driver of the maxi taxi on Friday in Pinkstone Avenue.

Mrs Jackson said police were notified shortly after the assault occurred, which is believed to have started after the driver requested the youth to put her seatbelt on.

With the passenger attempting to climb into the back seat, which put the driver and

passenger in danger of having an accident, the driver pulled over and asked the youth to leave the taxi.

The youth then allegedly punched the front door and kicked the back sliding door four times before spitting on the cab.

Immediately after the attack, the driver notified the other driver on duty of the assault.

This caused the two taxis to be off the road for some period as police conducted their investigations.

Police said they obtained the taxi’s

surveillance footage to investigate, which led to the youth later being charged with malicious damage and assault and is due to appear in Cootamundra Children’s Court.

Police remind residents using the taxi

services that a zero tolerance is enforced and taxi drivers have every right to do their work and not have to worry about being assaulted, harassed or intimidated.

“This behaviour is unacceptable; our local taxi drivers provide a service appreciated by the majority of the Cootamundra population, it is only a small minority that makes their work difficult,” Cootamundra Local Area Command, Inspector Steve Lowe said.

Insp Lowe said police presence will be

continued around the taxi rank and main drop off and collection points.

By law, all taxis are equipped with surveillance cameras, which film all movements from the moment the taxi door is opened.

The driver involved, Mick Jordan, can not stress enough that he enjoys his work and it is only a minority of people who make his job difficult.

Mrs Jackson said the assault caused delays in the transporting of local residents on the night and she is sorry for the inconvenience this attack caused to other patrons.

“We want to let the local community know that there are a small minority of people in town that are giving the taxi drivers” Mrs Jackson said.