Two brutal attacks on taxi drivers have prompted drivers to call for a rethink of legislation to better protect them from passenger attacks and robberies. Cameras and duress alarms were made compulsory by the Government after taxi drivers in Auckland and Christchurch were murdered by passengers. ''Three youths, aged around 17 or 18, attacked a taxi driver and demanded money.’’He said the three youths had been passengers in the cab. ''Taxi drivers provide a service round the clock but with changing drinking patterns and drug use more anti-social behaviour is being encountered,’’ he said. ''On behalf of taxi drivers throughout New Zealand we make a plea to members of Parliament to ensure a safer work environment for people providing this essential service.’’

Source: Otago Daily Times April 18, 2017 20:03 UTC