A vicious assault on a taxi driver has prompted Blue Bubble to call for security cameras to remain in all taxis.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) can now grant exemptions for security cameras in some vehicles.
The kidnapped driver was locked in the boot of his car while the vehicle was driven around Wellington for hours.
Two men have since been arrested after a camera in the taxi snapped their images during the incident.
“The facts are clear – security cameras save lives and enable offenders to be brought to justice. They should be in all small passenger service vehicles,” says Blue Bubble chief executive Bob Wilkinson.
“We call on NZTA to consider the safety of both drivers and passengers before deciding to grant an exemption. We strongly believe that all small passenger vehicles must be fitted with a security camera.
“You cannot put a price on a life. We do not agree that there is a considerable cost to businesses of installing security cameras, when they can now be purchased and installed for around $500. The cost is justifiable to ensure public safety.”
Exemptions should only be granted where there is a low risk to the driver and passenger, such as a dedicated wedding limousine, Wilkinson says.
