Safe Taxi Audit
Victoria is set for safer, cleaner taxis with every single cab across the State facing a safety audit as part of a major campaign to improve the fleet.
All taxis are required to undergo a safety and compliance audit conducted by VTD Transport Safety Officers (TSOs) at the Safe Taxi Audit Centre at Melbourne Airport.
Inspections are currently being carried out by the Victorian Taxi Directorate and focus on vehicle appearance and safety issues including the condition of tyres, brakes and seatbelts, and whether items like safety cameras and LPG cylinders are working correctly.
Taxis are also undergoing a probity audit to ensure the vehicle and licence details match official registration records.
Taxis that pass the audit will stand out to the travelling public as they will receive new green number plates identifying them as an Accredited Taxi Service.
The audit is part of a broader Government focus to reform the taxi industry which commenced with the taxi industry accreditation process last year.
The audit has finished in the Melbourne metropolitan area and inspections are currently being undertaken in the coutry area.
Frequently asked questions
What's this safety audit all about?
All Victorian taxis are required to undergo a safety and compliance audit conducted by VTD Transport Safety Officers (TSOs).
This is an intensive and comprehensive check of the entire taxi fleet at one time, which is different to the regular independent checks carried yearly or six-monthly (depending on the age of the taxi).
What kind of checks are being done?
TSOs are carrying out a range of vehicle appearance and safety issues on the taxis. These include vehicle registration, licence and engine numbers as well as safety cameras, tyres, brakes, signage, number plates, labels, paintwork and other general requirements.
When did it begin?
The audit began on Monday 10 November 2008.
Do I have to take part?
Yes, the audit is compulsory for all Victorian taxis.
Why is it necessary to audit all taxis?
There is a widespread public perception that Victorian taxis are less than satisfactory in regard to roadworthiness, appearance and internal cleanliness.
This audit is making sure that taxi operators are meeting their obligations under strict new performance standards set by Accreditation.
Although all vehicles are regularly checked for safety, an intensive and comprehensive check of the entire taxi fleet has never been done before and the information it will provide has not been available before.
Passengers and taxi drivers deserve to travel in safe clean vehicles. This audit will ensure all taxis meet the high standards expected.
What will happen if vehicles are found to be unsafe or non-compliant?
The normal range of sanctions will be applied at the VTD's discretion: warnings, defect notices, unroadworthy notices (NOU), penalty notices.
The operator (owner or assignee) will be required to fix any faults and then present their vehicle for a follow up inspection.
What will happen to operators whose taxis aren't up to scratch?
The aim of this audit is to get any unsafe cabs off the road immediately. Operators who are running taxis that present in breach of the safety regulations will be issued with defect notices and be ordered to fix their vehicles within set timeframes.
Whose responsibility is it to fix any faults? Who will pay for any improvements or upgrades to the vehicles required as a result of the checks?
Operators (owners or assignees) are responsible for the condition of their vehicles and the cost of any repairs, maintenance or upgrades.
What other checks are currently carried out on taxis?
Taxi operators are required to take their vehicles to be checked by a licensed taxi tester – once a year for vehicles less than four years old, and twice a year for vehicles more than four years old.
In addition, the Victorian Taxi Directorate's Taxi Safety Officers (TSOs) undertake regular spot checks on taxis.
The responsibility of taxi operators to regularly inspect their own cabs has been tightened up under the new industry accreditation scheme. Under the business and service standards operators must have systems in place for their vehicles to be checked once every 24 hours and for a more thorough inspection to be undertaken every three months.
Are taxi drivers and operators being compensated for their time and loss of income?
The inconvenience to drivers and operators is minimal, but is necessary in the overall interests of taxi industry standards and public safety. TSOs regularly stop and check taxis.
No compensation will be payable.
Are country taxis subject to the safety and compliance audit?
The VTD has finished inspecting all taxis in the Melbourne metropolitan area and the audit will be rolled out to the country and urban areas from 20 July 2009.
How often do Transport Safety Officers (TSOs) check taxis?
TSOs patrol the roads and ranks to check on taxis on a daily basis.
TSO numbers have been increased substantially and more frequent random checks are conducted then in previous years.
What do TSOs check for?
TSOs check for compliance with a wide range of safety and service standards including tyres, mirrors, lights, doors, panel damage, signage, cleanliness, seats, seatbelts, driver requirements such as photo ID and uniform, number plates, registration label, safety cameras, taximeters, EFTPOS terminals, fire extinguishers, and driver requirements such as photo ID and uniform.