Work to deliver Mandurah’s popular night-time taxi rank has been awarded Highly Commended at the recent Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Awards.
The awards aim to recognise the action and excellence of those working to prevent injury and promote safety in Western Australia.
Members of the Mandurah Liquor Accord have worked together to bolster safety at the taxi rank on Mandurah Terrace.
The project aimed to provide security and safety for taxi drivers and passengers with enhanced safety measures.
Since mid-2013 a number of measures have been introduced to ensure the success of the rank:
- CCTV installation
- Improved lighting for increased facial recognition by the CCTV
- Upgraded signage
- Water refill station installation in the Smart Street Mall
- Introduction of an additional taxi rank at Ormsby Terrace
- Taxi driver training
- Linking CCTV networks for better accuracy
- Night-time taxi rank security guard on Friday and Saturday nights.
On top of all the new measures a reduction in crime has resulted.
People using the rank has risen from 168 in 2013 to 384 last year and assault offences has reduced by 27 since 2011.
Meanwhile fare evasion has dropped from 244 to 101 since 2011 and damage has almost halved in the same amount of time.
A number of partners joined the project with the City of Mandurah, including local night time hangouts Brighton Hotel, Rollercoaster Club and Norma Jean's Retro Bar, as well as Mandurah Taxis and Black and White Taxis.
Mayor Rhys Williams said everyone had a role in play in making Mandurah safe and enjoyable and congratulated the Mandurah Liquor Accord on injury prevention and reducing anti-social incidents.
"The Mandurah Liquor Accord has demonstrated that by working together, they have enhanced the safety in our entertainment area… and this makes a significant difference to the health and wellbeing of taxi drivers and the community.
“The principle of the taxi rank project was that all licensed venues had a role in contributing to a safe experience, and we will continue to work together so that locals and visitors enjoy their visit," he said.
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