An operation conducted by WA Police has been targeting taxis that stop for fares on James Street in Northbridge.
Operation Wrestler forces all patrons seeking a taxi to utilse taxi ranks on William Street or Lake Street.
The move however has been questioned as vulnerable members of the LGBTIQ community are forced to walk through Northbridge rather then being able to hail a taxi directly outside venues including Connections Nightclub.
Over recent weekends OUTinPerth has observed taxi’s slowing down for patrons who hail them, only to tell people that they are no longer allowed to stop due to the fear of being fined by police.
Community member Jasmine Noel shared that she believed it was better if taxis were able to be hailed directly outside venues.
“I do think taxi should be able to stop outside nightclubs to pick up people since things can happen and you never now what a stranger will do… getting picked up in front of the club means if anything happens you still have security to help you.”
A spokesman for WA Police told OUTinPerth that the operation was launched in response to a number of complaints relating to taxi drivers failing to comply with the requirements of road traffic legislation, when dropping off and picking up fare paying passengers.
“The impromptu and sudden stopping of multiple taxis on carriageways (known as ‘ramping’) has created significant traffic congestion at peak times and placed drivers and passengers at great risk of being struck by oncoming traffic.” said WA Police.
“As a result of this, Perth Police Station is carrying out an operation targeting those vehicles committing offences against the Road Traffic Code or Local Government Bylaws, in particular, double parking and causing traffic congestion.”
While people we being encouraged to utilse taxi ranks the spokesman for WA Police noted that it was still possible for patrons to hail a taxi as long as the taxi only stopped when it was safe and lawful to do so.
The congestion concern also included challenges police are facing in getting emergency vehicles to incidents in Northbridge. In their E-Watch Bulletin the Perth Police Station hailed the operation as a success in not only reducing the chances of a pedestrian being stuck by a car, but also a success in creating clear pathways for emergency vehicles.
Steven Gill from the Taxi Council of Western Australia highlighted that the police operation was having unintended consequences but argued that a more long term solution was required.
“Unfortunately it is a position that has been forced onto the taxi industry and we are as disappointed as consumers. WA Police have been fining drivers for pick up and drop off in the entertainment precincts. The objective is to decrease traffic congestion so they can get access to the areas with emergency vehicles.
“The unintended consequence is that it is forcing drivers and passengers to use the Milligan Street rank that we all know is a considerable walk from major hot spots.”
The Taxi Council suggests that a new new taxi rank is required on James Street closer to venues.
“The reality is that since 2003 the number of taxis on the road has doubled and yet the amount of taxi ranking has remained static or declined. We are advocating for a James Street super rank that would operate from 12 -6 am on the left hand side of James street as you head from Lake to William.” Mr Gill said.
Graeme Watson
Connections Nightclub declined to comment on this story.
