Cabbies win safety changes after blockade

Melbourne: Melbourne taxi drivers will get safety screens by the end of the year and all late-night fares must be pre-paid, the State Government has promised after yesterday's angry cabbie protest.
The concessions came after hundreds of angry drivers blocked a major city intersection for almost 24 hours yesterday, protesting against what they claim was a raw deal from the Government and their passengers.
The protest was sparked by the vicious stabbing of 23 year-old taxi driver Jalvinder Singh, who remains in a serious condition in the Royal Melbourne Hospital after he was attacked by a passenger in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Drivers mainly of Indian and Pakistani nationalities converged on the corner of Flinders and Swanston streets, parking their taxis to block traffic as they ripped off their shirts and chanted loudly, demanding better protection and safeguards for drivers.
A delegation from the group met with Transport Minister Lynne Kosky, who vowed safety screens would be compulsory in taxis by Christmas, and all taxi fares must be pre-paid across Victoria between 10pm and 5am.
01/05/08 Shannon McRae/LIVENEWS.com.au, Australia

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