Vic: Gov't must crackdown on taxis drivers; Libs

AAP General News (Australia)
12-08-2003
Vic: Gov't must crackdown on taxis drivers; Libs

The Victorian Opposition has made strong criticism of the Melbourne taxi industry.

It says standards are being dragged down by operators who drive dangerously, can't
speak English and don't know city landmarks like the MCG.

Opposition Leader ROBERT DOYLE says standards have dropped since the then KENNETT government
overhauled the industry in 1994.

He says there's a need for a new crackdown on taxi standards.

But Transport Minister PETER BATCHELOR has accused Mr DOYLE of taking a cheap shot
at the migrant workers who underpin the taxi service.

He says the government's increased training for taxi drivers from 40 to 90 hours and
introduced tests on English, numeracy and knowing Melbourne's landmarks.

AAP RTV adm/dk/gjr/rp

KEYWORD: TAXI (MELBOURNE)

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