Taxi drivers vow weekend chaos

Taxi drivers protesting at Melbourne Airport have clashed with police and security staff.

UPDATE: PASSENGERS could face chaos getting from Melbourne Airport this weekend with hundreds of taxi drivers vowing to refuse customers.

Up to 300 taxi drivers protested at the airport today over the axing of "short-fare queues" and said they will continue the rally at 8am on Monday.

Violent clashes erupted during the protest as overwhelmed Australian Federal Police and airport security struggled to control the angry drivers.

Critical Incident Response police were called in after several scuffles broke out between security and protesters, who rallied near the arrivals terminal.

During the protest, departing passengers were still able to access the terminal, but the arrivals terminal was partially affected causing minor delays.

Up to 300 taxi drivers protested over the axing of short-queue fares at Melbourne Airport.

Melbourne Airport arranged extra buses to transport arriving passengers to Southern Cross station.

Many cab drivers chose to continue working and were able to access the airport's cab ranks, helping to ease commuter chaos.

Protesters said they want to confront airport management about scrapping short-fare queues, saying they were being treated like "slaves".

Driver Lou Burgess urged the airport to restore the system.

"You wait two hours to get a $40 fare, work it out. There are guys here that won't eat tonight," he said.

 Driver Ayush Sethi said the airport was exploiting underpaid drivers.

"We work for 2 hours and get an $8 fare, it's not fair. They treat us like slaves, like dogs," he said.

"We work for $8 an hour and they're further exploiting us on top of that."

Shiv Bhambri said cab drivers who continued to work should have joined them in the protest.

"We're protesting and they're allowing those cabs to pick up directly from the terminal, and we have been waiting here for almost three hours," he said.

Victorian Taxi Association CEO David Samuel said the VTA  wanted to sit down with Melbourne Airport and discuss the issue.

"Obviously it is difficult for Melbourne Airport to meet today because there is a lot going on but once tensions calm down we hope we can sit there with them and perhaps some drivers and have sensible discussion," he said.

The drivers gathered after a text message encouraged them to block entrances at Tullamarine between 10am and noon.

The airport axed its short-fare queue on Wednesday, after it was claimed it was allegedly rorted by about 200 drivers a day.

A taxi driver is held by a police officer at the protest at Melbourne Airport.

The text message read: "We can't just be quiet and accept this abuse. I ask every taxi driver to please come to the airport on Friday 3rd of May at 10am and block all entries to airport until our voice is heard."

The Herald Sun understands a hand-written flyer was also being handed out.

Previously, drivers who waited in the airport's holding yard at Tullamarine and picked up a passenger going to a nearby destination, had been allowed to return to the airport, bypass the yard and head straight to the terminal taxi rank.

Now, all cabbies must head to the holding yard.

The taxi driver is led away by police.

Taxi drivers earn an average of $12 an hour. It is illegal to refuse a short fare.

Melbourne Airport spokeswoman Anna Gillett said the airport had consulted the industry before implementing the changes and initial feedback showed taxis queueing times in peak periods had fallen by up to 20 minutes.

"Ultimately, the uninterrupted flow of taxis from the normal queuing system now means that all taxis wait for less time," she said.

Professor Allan Fels urged the State Government to respond to his report into the troubled industry.

"These problems would be less likely to arise if there were a decision on the taxi report. That report includes recommendations in increases in short fares and decreases in long fares,’’ Prof Fels said today.

The taxi drivers have vowed to continue their protest at Melbourne Airport.

Tourism Minister Louise Asher said she was greatly concerned about the blockade.

"The airport is a major tourism asset for Victoria. It is 24 hour. It is curfew-free," Ms Asher said.

"We don’t need this today. I think people can talk sensibly, talk rationally but to actually stop people getting in and out - that is not the way you resolve a dispute."

With Amelia Harris

View the original article here

Taxi drivers vow weekend chaos

Taxi drivers protesting at Melbourne Airport have clashed with police and security staff.

UPDATE: PASSENGERS could face chaos getting from Melbourne Airport this weekend with hundreds of taxi drivers vowing to refuse customers.

Up to 300 taxi drivers protested at the airport today over the axing of "short-fare queues" and said they will continue the rally at 8am on Monday.

Violent clashes erupted during the protest as overwhelmed Australian Federal Police and airport security struggled to control the angry drivers.

Critical Incident Response police were called in after several scuffles broke out between security and protesters, who rallied near the arrivals terminal.

During the protest, departing passengers were still able to access the terminal, but the arrivals terminal was partially affected causing minor delays.

Up to 300 taxi drivers protested over the axing of short-queue fares at Melbourne Airport.

Melbourne Airport arranged extra buses to transport arriving passengers to Southern Cross station.

Many cab drivers chose to continue working and were able to access the airport's cab ranks, helping to ease commuter chaos.

Protesters said they want to confront airport management about scrapping short-fare queues, saying they were being treated like "slaves".

Driver Lou Burgess urged the airport to restore the system.

"You wait two hours to get a $40 fare, work it out. There are guys here that won't eat tonight," he said.

 Driver Ayush Sethi said the airport was exploiting underpaid drivers.

"We work for 2 hours and get an $8 fare, it's not fair. They treat us like slaves, like dogs," he said.

"We work for $8 an hour and they're further exploiting us on top of that."

Shiv Bhambri said cab drivers who continued to work should have joined them in the protest.

"We're protesting and they're allowing those cabs to pick up directly from the terminal, and we have been waiting here for almost three hours," he said.

Victorian Taxi Association CEO David Samuel said the VTA  wanted to sit down with Melbourne Airport and discuss the issue.

"Obviously it is difficult for Melbourne Airport to meet today because there is a lot going on but once tensions calm down we hope we can sit there with them and perhaps some drivers and have sensible discussion," he said.

The drivers gathered after a text message encouraged them to block entrances at Tullamarine between 10am and noon.

The airport axed its short-fare queue on Wednesday, after it was claimed it was allegedly rorted by about 200 drivers a day.

A taxi driver is held by a police officer at the protest at Melbourne Airport.

The text message read: "We can't just be quiet and accept this abuse. I ask every taxi driver to please come to the airport on Friday 3rd of May at 10am and block all entries to airport until our voice is heard."

The Herald Sun understands a hand-written flyer was also being handed out.

Previously, drivers who waited in the airport's holding yard at Tullamarine and picked up a passenger going to a nearby destination, had been allowed to return to the airport, bypass the yard and head straight to the terminal taxi rank.

Now, all cabbies must head to the holding yard.

The taxi driver is led away by police.

Taxi drivers earn an average of $12 an hour. It is illegal to refuse a short fare.

Melbourne Airport spokeswoman Anna Gillett said the airport had consulted the industry before implementing the changes and initial feedback showed taxis queueing times in peak periods had fallen by up to 20 minutes.

"Ultimately, the uninterrupted flow of taxis from the normal queuing system now means that all taxis wait for less time," she said.

Professor Allan Fels urged the State Government to respond to his report into the troubled industry.

"These problems would be less likely to arise if there were a decision on the taxi report. That report includes recommendations in increases in short fares and decreases in long fares,’’ Prof Fels said today.

The taxi drivers have vowed to continue their protest at Melbourne Airport.

Tourism Minister Louise Asher said she was greatly concerned about the blockade.

"The airport is a major tourism asset for Victoria. It is 24 hour. It is curfew-free," Ms Asher said.

"We don’t need this today. I think people can talk sensibly, talk rationally but to actually stop people getting in and out - that is not the way you resolve a dispute."

With Amelia Harris

View the original article here

Taxi drivers vow weekend chaos

Taxi drivers protesting at Melbourne Airport have clashed with police and security staff.

UPDATE: PASSENGERS could face chaos getting from Melbourne Airport this weekend with hundreds of taxi drivers vowing to refuse customers.

Up to 300 taxi drivers protested at the airport today over the axing of "short-fare queues" and said they will continue the rally at 8am on Monday.

Violent clashes erupted during the protest as overwhelmed Australian Federal Police and airport security struggled to control the angry drivers.

Critical Incident Response police were called in after several scuffles broke out between security and protesters, who rallied near the arrivals terminal.

During the protest, departing passengers were still able to access the terminal, but the arrivals terminal was partially affected causing minor delays.

Up to 300 taxi drivers protested over the axing of short-queue fares at Melbourne Airport.

Melbourne Airport arranged extra buses to transport arriving passengers to Southern Cross station.

Many cab drivers chose to continue working and were able to access the airport's cab ranks, helping to ease commuter chaos.

Protesters said they want to confront airport management about scrapping short-fare queues, saying they were being treated like "slaves".

Driver Lou Burgess urged the airport to restore the system.

"You wait two hours to get a $40 fare, work it out. There are guys here that won't eat tonight," he said.

 Driver Ayush Sethi said the airport was exploiting underpaid drivers.

"We work for 2 hours and get an $8 fare, it's not fair. They treat us like slaves, like dogs," he said.

"We work for $8 an hour and they're further exploiting us on top of that."

Shiv Bhambri said cab drivers who continued to work should have joined them in the protest.

"We're protesting and they're allowing those cabs to pick up directly from the terminal, and we have been waiting here for almost three hours," he said.

Victorian Taxi Association CEO David Samuel said the VTA  wanted to sit down with Melbourne Airport and discuss the issue.

"Obviously it is difficult for Melbourne Airport to meet today because there is a lot going on but once tensions calm down we hope we can sit there with them and perhaps some drivers and have sensible discussion," he said.

The drivers gathered after a text message encouraged them to block entrances at Tullamarine between 10am and noon.

The airport axed its short-fare queue on Wednesday, after it was claimed it was allegedly rorted by about 200 drivers a day.

A taxi driver is held by a police officer at the protest at Melbourne Airport.

The text message read: "We can't just be quiet and accept this abuse. I ask every taxi driver to please come to the airport on Friday 3rd of May at 10am and block all entries to airport until our voice is heard."

The Herald Sun understands a hand-written flyer was also being handed out.

Previously, drivers who waited in the airport's holding yard at Tullamarine and picked up a passenger going to a nearby destination, had been allowed to return to the airport, bypass the yard and head straight to the terminal taxi rank.

Now, all cabbies must head to the holding yard.

The taxi driver is led away by police.

Taxi drivers earn an average of $12 an hour. It is illegal to refuse a short fare.

Melbourne Airport spokeswoman Anna Gillett said the airport had consulted the industry before implementing the changes and initial feedback showed taxis queueing times in peak periods had fallen by up to 20 minutes.

"Ultimately, the uninterrupted flow of taxis from the normal queuing system now means that all taxis wait for less time," she said.

Professor Allan Fels urged the State Government to respond to his report into the troubled industry.

"These problems would be less likely to arise if there were a decision on the taxi report. That report includes recommendations in increases in short fares and decreases in long fares,’’ Prof Fels said today.

The taxi drivers have vowed to continue their protest at Melbourne Airport.

Tourism Minister Louise Asher said she was greatly concerned about the blockade.

"The airport is a major tourism asset for Victoria. It is 24 hour. It is curfew-free," Ms Asher said.

"We don’t need this today. I think people can talk sensibly, talk rationally but to actually stop people getting in and out - that is not the way you resolve a dispute."

With Amelia Harris

View the original article here

Taxi drivers vow weekend chaos

Taxi drivers have threatened to block entrances to Melbourne Airport to protest against new cab rank rules.

UPDATE: PASSENGERS could face chaos getting from Melbourne Airport this weekend with hundreds of taxi drivers vowing to refuse customers.

Up to 300 taxi drivers protested at the airport today over the axing of "short-fare queues" and said they will continue the rally at 8am on Monday.

Scuffles broke out during the protest as overwhelmed Australian Federal Police and airport security struggled to control the angry drivers.

Critical Incident Response police were called in to help control protesters, who rallied near the arrivals terminal.

During the protest, departing passengers were still able to access the terminal, but the arrivals terminal was partially affected causing minor delays.

Up to 300 taxi drivers protested over the axing of short-queue fares at Melbourne Airport.

Melbourne Airport arranged extra buses to transport arriving passengers to Southern Cross station.

Many cab drivers chose to continue working and were able to access the airport's cab ranks, helping to ease commuter chaos.

Protesters said they wanted to confront airport management about scrapping short-fare queues, saying they were being treated like "slaves".

Driver Lou Burgess urged the airport to restore the system.

Taxi drivers protesting at Melbourne Airport have clashed with police and security staff.

"You wait two hours to get a $40 fare, work it out. There are guys here that won't eat tonight," he said.

Driver Ayush Sethi said the airport was exploiting underpaid drivers.

"We work for 2 hours and get an $8 fare, it's not fair. They treat us like slaves, like dogs," he said.

"We work for $8 an hour and they're further exploiting us on top of that."

A taxi driver is held by a police officer at the protest at Melbourne Airport.

Shiv Bhambri said cab drivers who continued to work should have joined them in the protest.

"We're protesting and they're allowing those cabs to pick up directly from the terminal, and we have been waiting here for almost three hours," he said.

Victoria Police Sen-Sgt Andrew Foot said 20 local officers and about the same number of AFP officers responded to the protest.

"They have got a right to protest. Their behaviour, from what I could see, was reasonable in terms of how they acted. There was no obvious violence there, no-one has been injured, no-one has been arrested. In terms of that it went reasonably well," he said. 

The taxi driver is led away by police.

He said police had contingency plans in place and would do the same for Monday's follow-up protest.

"We had some plans in place to block the road if need be and divert cars if it got that bad but we have managed to resolve that without that occurring. As you can see, traffic has flowed pretty well all morning," he said.

"We will certainly be prepared and we will certainly be working closely with our AFP colleagues."

Victorian Taxi Association CEO David Samuel said the VTA  wanted to sit down with Melbourne Airport and discuss the issue.

The taxi drivers have vowed to continue their protest at Melbourne Airport.

"Obviously it is difficult for Melbourne Airport to meet today because there is a lot going on but once tensions calm down we hope we can sit there with them and perhaps some drivers and have sensible discussion," he said.

Matt Francis, General Manager of Corporate and Public Affairs at Melbourne Airport, said airport management was willing to negotiate over the short fare changes, but cab drivers needed to respect those arrangements.

"If the drivers and the industry want to talk to the airport about a better way to handle short fares, (we're) very happy to have that conversation. But we need to get a commitment from the industry that all of the drivers will abide by those rules," Mr Francis said.

Despite threats that drivers would boycott fares from the airport over the weekend, he said the majority of drivers wanted to do business with the airport.

"There are still plenty of taxis who are willing to pick and drop off fares," he said.

"The majority of drivers did not participate in the blockade today, we're talking about a minority. It is probably the same minority who weren't playing by the rules when we had the last system in place, and there not doing any favours to their fellow drivers or passengers who are waiting for a fare," he said.

He said the protest didn't affect airport operations and contingency plans would again be rolled out on Monday if the protest resumed.

"Flights were not delayed, people were still able to get on their way, whether by taxis who weren't part of the blockade, or by other arrangements such as Skybus."

The drivers gathered after a text message encouraged them to block entrances at Tullamarine between 10am and noon.

The airport axed its short-fare queue on Wednesday, after it was claimed it was allegedly rorted by about 200 drivers a day.

The text message read: "We can't just be quiet and accept this abuse. I ask every taxi driver to please come to the airport on Friday 3rd of May at 10am and block all entries to airport until our voice is heard."

The Herald Sun understands a hand-written flyer was also being handed out.

Previously, drivers who waited in the airport's holding yard at Tullamarine and picked up a passenger going to a nearby destination, had been allowed to return to the airport, bypass the yard and head straight to the terminal taxi rank.

Now, all cabbies must head to the holding yard.

Taxi drivers earn an average of $12 an hour. It is illegal to refuse a short fare.

Melbourne Airport spokeswoman Anna Gillett said the airport had consulted the industry before implementing the changes and initial feedback showed taxis queueing times in peak periods had fallen by up to 20 minutes.

"Ultimately, the uninterrupted flow of taxis from the normal queuing system now means that all taxis wait for less time," she said.

Professor Allan Fels urged the State Government to respond to his report into the troubled industry.

"These problems would be less likely to arise if there were a decision on the taxi report. That report includes recommendations in increases in short fares and decreases in long fares,’’ Prof Fels said today.

Tourism Minister Louise Asher said she was greatly concerned about the blockade.

"The airport is a major tourism asset for Victoria. It is 24 hour. It is curfew-free," Ms Asher said.

"We don’t need this today. I think people can talk sensibly, talk rationally but to actually stop people getting in and out - that is not the way you resolve a dispute."

View the original article here

Taxi drivers vow weekend chaos

Taxi drivers protesting at Melbourne Airport have clashed with police and security staff.

UPDATE: PASSENGERS could face chaos getting from Melbourne Airport this weekend with hundreds of taxi drivers vowing to refuse customers.

Up to 300 taxi drivers protested at the airport today over the axing of "short-fare queues" and said they will continue the rally at 8am on Monday.

Violent clashes erupted during the protest as overwhelmed Australian Federal Police and airport security struggled to control the angry drivers.

Critical Incident Response police were called in after several scuffles broke out between security and protesters, who rallied near the arrivals terminal.

During the protest, departing passengers were still able to access the terminal, but the arrivals terminal was partially affected causing minor delays.

Up to 300 taxi drivers protested over the axing of short-queue fares at Melbourne Airport.

Melbourne Airport arranged extra buses to transport arriving passengers to Southern Cross station.

Many cab drivers chose to continue working and were able to access the airport's cab ranks, helping to ease commuter chaos.

Protesters said they want to confront airport management about scrapping short-fare queues, saying they were being treated like "slaves".

Driver Lou Burgess urged the airport to restore the system.

"You wait two hours to get a $40 fare, work it out. There are guys here that won't eat tonight," he said.

 Driver Ayush Sethi said the airport was exploiting underpaid drivers.

"We work for 2 hours and get an $8 fare, it's not fair. They treat us like slaves, like dogs," he said.

"We work for $8 an hour and they're further exploiting us on top of that."

Shiv Bhambri said cab drivers who continued to work should have joined them in the protest.

"We're protesting and they're allowing those cabs to pick up directly from the terminal, and we have been waiting here for almost three hours," he said.

Victorian Taxi Association CEO David Samuel said the VTA  wanted to sit down with Melbourne Airport and discuss the issue.

"Obviously it is difficult for Melbourne Airport to meet today because there is a lot going on but once tensions calm down we hope we can sit there with them and perhaps some drivers and have sensible discussion," he said.

The drivers gathered after a text message encouraged them to block entrances at Tullamarine between 10am and noon.

The airport axed its short-fare queue on Wednesday, after it was claimed it was allegedly rorted by about 200 drivers a day.

A taxi driver is held by a police officer at the protest at Melbourne Airport.

The text message read: "We can't just be quiet and accept this abuse. I ask every taxi driver to please come to the airport on Friday 3rd of May at 10am and block all entries to airport until our voice is heard."

The Herald Sun understands a hand-written flyer was also being handed out.

Previously, drivers who waited in the airport's holding yard at Tullamarine and picked up a passenger going to a nearby destination, had been allowed to return to the airport, bypass the yard and head straight to the terminal taxi rank.

Now, all cabbies must head to the holding yard.

The taxi driver is led away by police.

Taxi drivers earn an average of $12 an hour. It is illegal to refuse a short fare.

Melbourne Airport spokeswoman Anna Gillett said the airport had consulted the industry before implementing the changes and initial feedback showed taxis queueing times in peak periods had fallen by up to 20 minutes.

"Ultimately, the uninterrupted flow of taxis from the normal queuing system now means that all taxis wait for less time," she said.

Professor Allan Fels urged the State Government to respond to his report into the troubled industry.

"These problems would be less likely to arise if there were a decision on the taxi report. That report includes recommendations in increases in short fares and decreases in long fares,’’ Prof Fels said today.

The taxi drivers have vowed to continue their protest at Melbourne Airport.

Tourism Minister Louise Asher said she was greatly concerned about the blockade.

"The airport is a major tourism asset for Victoria. It is 24 hour. It is curfew-free," Ms Asher said.

"We don’t need this today. I think people can talk sensibly, talk rationally but to actually stop people getting in and out - that is not the way you resolve a dispute."

With Amelia Harris

View the original article here

Taxi drivers vow weekend chaos

Taxi drivers protesting at Melbourne Airport have clashed with police and security staff.

UPDATE: PASSENGERS could face chaos getting from Melbourne Airport this weekend with hundreds of taxi drivers vowing to refuse customers.

Up to 300 taxi drivers protested at the airport today over the axing of "short-fare queues" and said they will continue the rally at 8am on Monday.

Violent clashes erupted during the protest as overwhelmed Australian Federal Police and airport security struggled to control the angry drivers.

Critical Incident Response police were called in after several scuffles broke out between security and protesters, who rallied near the arrivals terminal.

During the protest, departing passengers were still able to access the terminal, but the arrivals terminal was partially affected causing minor delays.

Up to 300 taxi drivers protested over the axing of short-queue fares at Melbourne Airport.

Melbourne Airport arranged extra buses to transport arriving passengers to Southern Cross station.

Many cab drivers chose to continue working and were able to access the airport's cab ranks, helping to ease commuter chaos.

Protesters said they want to confront airport management about scrapping short-fare queues, saying they were being treated like "slaves".

Driver Lou Burgess urged the airport to restore the system.

"You wait two hours to get a $40 fare, work it out. There are guys here that won't eat tonight," he said.

 Driver Ayush Sethi said the airport was exploiting underpaid drivers.

"We work for 2 hours and get an $8 fare, it's not fair. They treat us like slaves, like dogs," he said.

"We work for $8 an hour and they're further exploiting us on top of that."

Shiv Bhambri said cab drivers who continued to work should have joined them in the protest.

"We're protesting and they're allowing those cabs to pick up directly from the terminal, and we have been waiting here for almost three hours," he said.

Victorian Taxi Association CEO David Samuel said the VTA  wanted to sit down with Melbourne Airport and discuss the issue.

"Obviously it is difficult for Melbourne Airport to meet today because there is a lot going on but once tensions calm down we hope we can sit there with them and perhaps some drivers and have sensible discussion," he said.

The drivers gathered after a text message encouraged them to block entrances at Tullamarine between 10am and noon.

The airport axed its short-fare queue on Wednesday, after it was claimed it was allegedly rorted by about 200 drivers a day.

A taxi driver is held by a police officer at the protest at Melbourne Airport.

The text message read: "We can't just be quiet and accept this abuse. I ask every taxi driver to please come to the airport on Friday 3rd of May at 10am and block all entries to airport until our voice is heard."

The Herald Sun understands a hand-written flyer was also being handed out.

Previously, drivers who waited in the airport's holding yard at Tullamarine and picked up a passenger going to a nearby destination, had been allowed to return to the airport, bypass the yard and head straight to the terminal taxi rank.

Now, all cabbies must head to the holding yard.

The taxi driver is led away by police.

Taxi drivers earn an average of $12 an hour. It is illegal to refuse a short fare.

Melbourne Airport spokeswoman Anna Gillett said the airport had consulted the industry before implementing the changes and initial feedback showed taxis queueing times in peak periods had fallen by up to 20 minutes.

"Ultimately, the uninterrupted flow of taxis from the normal queuing system now means that all taxis wait for less time," she said.

Professor Allan Fels urged the State Government to respond to his report into the troubled industry.

"These problems would be less likely to arise if there were a decision on the taxi report. That report includes recommendations in increases in short fares and decreases in long fares,’’ Prof Fels said today.

The taxi drivers have vowed to continue their protest at Melbourne Airport.

Tourism Minister Louise Asher said she was greatly concerned about the blockade.

"The airport is a major tourism asset for Victoria. It is 24 hour. It is curfew-free," Ms Asher said.

"We don’t need this today. I think people can talk sensibly, talk rationally but to actually stop people getting in and out - that is not the way you resolve a dispute."

With Amelia Harris

View the original article here

Blitz on drivers using phones

Be first to see the powerful new TAC ad shocking drivers into ignoring mobile phones while driving.

MORE than 215,000 Victorian P-platers will be banned from using hands-free mobiles behind the wheel for their full three-year probationary period.

Fines of over $400 will be slapped on offenders, as the current penalty of a $282 fine and three demerit points is substantially increased.

And every Victorian driver is to be offered a free phone app which stops them receiving calls, texts and tweets. Grieving Vicki Richardson, of Mulwala, today helps launch a TAC campaign focusing on driver distractions.

What do you think? Have your say below.

Daughter Brooke, 20, died in December when her car hit a tree just moments after she had been texting.

Vicki said: "Please don't be tempted to use your mobile while driving."

Brooke Richardson (below right), 20, was killed when her car went off the road while she was texting.

Ms Richardson said: "It's just not worth cutting a life short."

Brooke was a P-plater.

The State Government crackdown follows last year's road safety survey, published in the Herald Sun, which found 89 per cent of Victorians wanted tougher penalties for those using mobiles while driving.

Premier Ted Baillieu said yesterday: "We will toughen penalties for people who are caught using their mobile phone while driving, through a combination of increased fines and demerit points."

The $282 fine is expected to jump by at least half.

Brooke Richardson was killed when her car went off the road as she was texting.

The Transport Accident Commission campaign being launched today warns of the dangers of distractions while driving.

Victoria's 54,958 P1 probationary licence holders are currently banned from using a mobile phone behind the wheel only during their first year.

The ban covers hands-free devices, hand-held phones, and messaging of any kind.

Elli Sumner with her mobile phone after a possible ban on P-Platers having mobile's in their cars at all. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

The new law will extend that ban to Victoria's 215,349 P2 licence holders applying for the three-year probationary period.

P-plater Elli Sumner, 22, said yesterday the new law would be fair enough for most young drivers.

"But what about the P- platers who need to use a hands-free mobile as part of their jobs? Banning them is too harsh," she said.

"It is their livelihood. Surely an exception should be made?"

Mr Baillieu said yesterday the campaign focusing on mobile phones and other distractions was strongly supported by those who responded to last year's road safety survey.

"Victoria has led the world with our campaigns on drink-driving, drugs and speeding, but little has been done to educate drivers on the dangers of being distracted while driving," he said.

"Phone calls, text messages, music and GPS devices combine to make it more challenging to concentrate.

"It's important all road users understand how quickly inattention can end in disaster," Mr Baillieu said.

Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association spokesman Randal Markey today questioned the new crackdown.

"We have supported bans on mobile use by learners and P1 drivers,'' he said.

"We note the extension of the ban to all P-plate drivers in Victoria and pose the following questions.

“At some stage young drivers have to learn how to cope with distractions, which are a part of life behind the wheel. There are all sorts of distractions - not just mobile phones. Is an extension of the ban running a risk of shielding drivers from gaining experience how to cope with potential risks? Some driving experts have suggested a ban on all mobile use for drivers under 26 years of age. Where should the line be drawn?

"Could this extension of a ban to all P-plate drivers run the risk of forcing some probationary drivers to ignore the ban and try and use their mobiles while driving by hiding them on their laps to avoid detection?

" If so, could such a ban could be counter-productive because this outcome would be more dangerous than the alternative of getting the drivers to comply with the law of using cradles and Bluetooth and using best practice mobile phone technology to reduce driver risks?

"AMTA has produced a new brochure, `Keep your eyes on the road,' to show all drivers how to comply with the law and reduce risks to manageable levels of using legal hands-free mobiles when driving

"It makes very clear that using a legal hands-free kit is not appropriate in all driving circumstances.

"We believe that consumers will modify their behaviour if they understand the risks and have reasonable alternatives.

"We agree that targeting texting, which is dangerous, illegal and unacceptable, is where the focus should be.

"Naturalistic driving studies in the US have shown that texting while driving has a risk factor of up to 23 times greater risk of a crash or near crash than undistracted driving.''

Assistant Treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips said mobiles were the biggest distraction for drivers.

"In 2011-12 Victoria Police issued more than 55,000 mobile phone infringement notices to drivers. Those aged 20 to 30 were the biggest offenders," he said.

Other distractions include using GPSs, eating, and putting on makeup, he said.

---

HOW THE APP WORKS

A FREE mobile phone app being developed by VicRoads is designed to reduce driver distraction and will be offered to every Victorian.

When put in Road Mode the app puts a mobile on silent and sends a text message to anyone who tries to call or text that mobile from another mobile telling them the person is driving and will respond when it is safe to do so.

When Road Mode is switched off it provides a summary of missed calls and texts.

Road Mode can work manually or automatically.

If the automatic option is chosen, it uses a mobile's GPS to detect what speed you are travelling.

If you go above 20km/h it will turn on and when you drop below that speed for at least 10 minutes it will turn itself off.

Road Mode will be free to download, however standard text message rates apply each time a new person calls or texts you while your phone is in Road Mode

If the same person texts or calls several times while you are in Road Mode they will only get one automatic text from your mobile.

The kinds of messages that will be on Road Mode include:

REPLY TO PHONE CALLS.

"Hi, I can't answer because I'm driving and it's too distracting and dangerous, so I've set my phone to Road Mode.''

"Hi sorry I can't answer. I'm driving so my phone's in Road Mode. I'll get back to you when it's safe to talk.''

REPLY TO TEXTS

"Hi I can't text you back yet. I'm driving and it's too distracting to use my phone, so I've set it to Road Mode.''

"Hi, I'm driving so I can't text back, it's too distracting. My phone is in Road Mode to manage my calls and texts.''

The replies will also direct callers and texters to vicroads.vic.gov.au/roadmode so they can check the website for details about the free app.

The app will initially only be available for android phones, but work is continuing to extend it to iPhones and other devices.

The android app is expected to be available within two months.

keith.moor@news.com.au 

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Graphic new ad to shock drivers

Be first to see the powerful new TAC ad shocking drivers into ignoring mobile phones while driving.

THE Transport Accident Commission has produced a graphic new ad campaign aimed at driver distractions.

The Herald Sun was today given access to some of the material before the launch.

An ad which will start being shown on television from tonight warns that "distractions lead to disaster" - and then shows a dramatic sequence of events which does end in disaster.

It then shows a driver initially using his mobile phone as a GPS and when he leans down to look at the phone on the passenger seat he almost hits a car stopped while waiting to turn right.

Further up the road he changes to a different music track and just misses a group of cyclists.

Then he leans down as a text arrives on his phone and slams into a mother pushing a pram across a zebra crossing.

A compilation of TAC road crash TV ads over 20 years has become a worldwide YouTube phenomenon.

The ad warns that if you are distracted for just two seconds at only 50km/h you will travel 27 metres - effectively blind.

In another graphic ad a distracted driver hits a student getting off a tram.

Giving support to the TAC campaign at the launch tody will be Vicki Richardson, whose hairdresser daughter Brooke, 20, died in December last year when her car hit a tree.

Brooke's mobile phone showed that she had been texting and driving moments before the accident.

"Since Brooke's death we have been urging our community around Mulwala, and all Victorians, to please, don't be tempted to use your mobile phone while driving." Ms Richardson said yesterday.

ANTHONY Bartle and Simon van Beest share their remarkable tales of survival against the odds to mark the 25th anniversary of the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).

"It's just not worth cutting a life short."

Premier Ted Baillieu said the campaign to target mobile phones and other driver distractions was strongly supported by Victorians who responded to last year's road safety survey, which was published in the Herald Sun.

"Victoria has led the world with our campaigns on drink-driving, drugs and speeding, but little has been done to educate drivers on the dangers of being distracted while driving," he said.

"Phone calls, text messages, music and GPS devices combine to make it more challenging to concentrate behind the wheel.

"It's important all road users understand how quickly inattention can end in disaster.

"All Victorians - pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, passengers - have a responsibility to concentrate and be alert to what's happening on the road."

Assistant Treasurer and ministerial council for road safety member Gordon Rich-Phillips said mobile phones were the biggest distraction for road users.

"In 2011-12 Victoria Police issued more than 55,000 mobile phone infringement notices to drivers, with 20 to 30-year-olds the biggest offenders," he said.

"Other distractions include using satellite navigation systems, eating food, putting on makeup while driving or using iPod and MP3 players while walking, riding and driving."

Of the 55,000 people fined for mobile phone use, 58 per cent were aged 20-39, 67 per cent were male and 33 per cent were female.

keith.moor@news.com.au
 

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Hundreds of drivers nabbed in blitz

Police blitz. Source: Herald Sun

MORE than 400 drivers have been nabbed for mobile phone offences during a four-day police blitz.

Police detected 1950 offences during the operation, which ended on February 22 and which was aimed at reducing road trauma involving cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists.

Uniformed police joined the State Highway Patrol and bicycle patrol unit to target hotspots in the Melbourne, Yarra, Boroondara, Stonnington and Port Phillip police service areas.

Police focused on morning and afternoon peak commuter times when most collisions occur.

As part of the highly visible operation, police discovered:

1475 car and truck offences, including:

* 431 using a mobile phone while driving

* 241 disobeying traffic lights and signs

* 10 failing to give way

* 198 motorcycle offences, including:

* 110 riding in a bicycle lane

* 6 disobeying traffic lights and signs

* 140 bicycle offences, including:

* 86 failing to wear a helmet

* 30 disobeying traffic lights and signs

* 8 riding on a footpath

* 3 failing to have lights or equipment

* 137 pedestrian offences, including:

* 108 disobeying traffic lights

* 21 walking improperly on road

* 2 crossing within 20 metres of pedestrian crossing

The bicycle patrol unit nabbed 17 motorcyclists in less than an hour for riding in a bicycle lane on Rathdowne St Carlton last  Friday.

Members were out in East Melbourne on Wednesday February 20, when they tried to flag down a car that had gone through a no left turn sign about 8.45am.

The driver attempted to evade police and turned back into Punt Road and continued driving.

Two members rode after the vehicle and caught up with the driver in Albert St.

He was issued with a fine for failing to obey traffic sign and warned about failing to obey direction from police.

Shortly after at the same location, a scooter went through the no left turn and again tried to evade police.

The members rode towards Wellington Parade for about six blocks looking for the driver and caught up with him at some traffic lights.

He was then issued with a fine.

Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill said police would continue to conduct these types of operations to not only protect vulnerable road users but also raise awareness of road safety and the impacts of distractions.

"We need pedestrians to look up from their smartphones and be aware of their surroundings, we need motorcyclists to ride with care in heavy traffic, we need cyclists to obey traffic lights and we need drivers to always look for cyclists, motorbikes and pedestrians,'' he said.

"There are more devices and distractions available than ever before and the consequences for vulnerable road users are dire.

"The new TAC distractions campaign, which launches today, shows how quickly inattention can end in disaster and highlights the dangers of taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds.''

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