New cameras could halt drunken attacks on Queensland cabbies

Queensland’s cab drivers are hoping new camera technology will help put an end to ongoing violence they suffer at the hands of drunken and rowdy passengers.

Cameras are mandatory in Queensland cabs, but footage is often of poor quality and low definition, and they capture only one frame a second.

Drivers are now hoping the addition of audio recording and higher-definition video will prove a deterrent to passengers with violence on their mind.

The goal is to have all cabs in the state upgraded by 2018.

Gold Coast Cabs CEO Gordana Blazevic said the cameras would improve the evidence in cases of assault.

“It might also have a deterrent effect as people will know it’s not just images (being captured) but it’s actual activity as it’s occurring in the cab,” he said.

One of Mr Blazevic’s drivers was recently allegedly assaulted by a passenger, leaving him with a broken nose, facial injuries and blurred vision.

A 21-year-old man has been charged with grievous bodily harm over the incident.

Improving the evidence from cab assaults is also key to driver safety.

“Unfortunately too many cases, when they go before courts, end up with the offender being given a slap on the wrists and sadly that sends the message that their crime isn’t significant,” Taxi Council Queensland CEO Benjamin Walsh said.