Wheelchair accessible taxi driver prosecuted

Published

The Point to Point Transport Commissioner, Anthony Wing, recently prosecuted a wheelchair accessible taxi driver for a safety duty offence under the Point to Point Transport (Taxis and Hire Vehicles) Act 2016 (PTPT Act).

The Commissioner’s prosecution follows an incident where a taxi driver failed to secure a wheelchair user resulting in the passenger tipping over in their wheelchair while being transported.

On 24 January 2022, the driver pleaded guilty in the Albury Local Court to an offence under section 15(b) of the PTPT Act, being a failure to take reasonable care that his own acts or omissions do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons.

The Magistrate convicted the driver and imposed a fine of $1600 and ordered payment of the Commissioner’s professional legal costs.

Breaching a safety duty is a disqualifying offence for a driver of taxis or hire vehicles. As a result, the driver is no longer eligible to drive passenger service vehicles.

The Point to Point Transport Commissioner, Anthony Wing, welcomed the courts findings and the deterrence of similar offences from occurring as a result of the enforcement of the point to point legislation by the Magistrate.

“Safety is my priority and this case highlights that point to point transport drivers who fail to discharge their safety duties will be prosecuted. Drivers who provide services to passengers in wheelchairs have specific safety obligations as they are transporting vulnerable community members. Any breach of a passenger service driver’s safety obligations must be taken seriously.”

MEDIA CONTACT

Alex Thompson – Point to Point Transport Commission
Alexandra.Thomspon@transport.nsw.gov.au
0499 612 089