REVIEW AND ENHANCEMENT OF THE SAFE CITY TAXI RANK … · 19. The review also highlighted the...

C O M M U N I T Y S E R V I C E S C O M M I T T E E R E P O R T

Agenda Item 5.1

15 April 2008

REVIEW AND ENHANCEMENT OF THE SAFE CITY TAXI RANK SCHEME

Division Community and Culture

Presenter Colleen Lazenby, Manager Community Safety and Wellbeing

Purpose

1. To provide a report on the findings of the review of City of Melbourne’s Safe City Taxi Rank Scheme which includes the operation and effectiveness of the five taxi ranks in the scheme.

Recommendation from Management

2. That the Community Services Committee note the recommendations of the review of the Safe City Taxi Rank Scheme and that any recommendations to relocate current ranks or extend the program will have impacts on the capital, monitoring and maintenance costs of the Safe City Cameras Program.

Key Issues

3. Following receipt of the Final Report for the City of Melbourne on the Review and Enhancement of the Safe City Taxi Rank Scheme in late 2007, the City of Melbourne commenced implementation of a number of the recommendations arising from the review. The rank at 212 King Street was de-commissioned, modification of the hours of operation have taken place; and a full maintenance service (cleaning and repair) of the taxi totems was undertaken. Improved signage and a promotional campaign are also being developed and are due to be implemented by June 2008.

4. Further consultation with security and engineering experts to obtain specific details of costs and infrastructure requirements, and site assessments in relation to relocating ranks as suggested in 20.2, 20.3 and 20.4 are needed.

5. Capital expenditure and costs to install relocate and monitor additional Safe City taxi ranks will need to be considered in conjunction with the outcome of Council resolutions of February 2008 relating to the possible expansion of the Safe City Cameras Program.

Time Frame 6. Council commissioned an independent review of the Safe City Taxi Rank Scheme (“SCTR”) in

April 2007. The final report dated 22 October 2007 is at Attachment 1.

Relation to Council Policy 7. Safety is an important aspect of Council’s responsibility and is incorporated in the Council Plan

2005-09 as an objective under Inclusive and Engaging City. It specifies that Council will provide a high standard of public amenity in the City’s streets and public places to increase people’s real and perceived safety of the City environment.

8. City Plan 2010 specifies the objective to improve the overall convenience, quality, safety and patronage of public transport serving the City of Melbourne.

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Government Relations 9. “A good night for all - Options for improving safety and amenity in inner city entertainment

precincts” was published by Crime Prevention Victoria, Department of Justice, on behalf of the Inner City Entertainment Precincts (ICEP) Taskforce, February 2005. The report noted that the availability of safe and accessible transport is a significant factor contributing to minimising problem patron behaviour in entertainment precincts and that the measures implemented by the City of Melbourne under its SCTR provide access to safe public transport.

10. The report also stated that more action was necessary to ensure a greater level of safety and security in the inner city entertainment precincts and proposed several options including supporting the establishment of an Inner City Safe City Taxi Rank Program across the Cities of Melbourne, Stonnington, Port Phillip and Yarra. The plan included an increase in the number and profile of the ranks in all entertainment precincts.

11. Council officers meet regularly with various key stakeholders including Victoria Police, the Victorian Taxi Association and Victorian Taxi Directorate to discuss operations of the SCTR. This arrangement is integral to the success of the program.

Finance 12. The current annual costs associated with operating and maintaining the SCTR (four ranks and

security personnel costs) are $438,000. The costs of the SCTR security personnel are incorporated in the recurrent operating budget in Sustainability and Regulatory Services.

13. A Capital Works budget of $40,000 is available for maintenance, upgrade and to fund the relocation of signage to proposed new sites by 30 June 2008.

Legal

14. No direct legal issues arise from the recommendation from Management.

Sustainability 15. The SCTR is one of a number of initiatives developed under A Strategy for a Safer City 2007 -

2010 which aims to reduce crime and harm, and improve real and perceived safety in the municipality.

16. The SCTR plays a vital role in supporting the provision of safe and accessible public transport in the City of Melbourne and contributes to the minimisation of crime and violence, and perceptions of safety, in and around transport hubs.

Comments

17. Safety Action Pty Ltd was commissioned to undertake the review and enhancement of the SCTR. The review was aimed at examining the effectiveness of the SCTR and to provide recommendations for improvement.

18. The review highlighted that the Safe City Taxi Ranks are a safe and an effective way of accessing taxis late at night. Data on the use and effectiveness of the SCTR is illustrated in the Final Report for the City of Melbourne on the Review and Enhancement of the Safe City Taxi Rank Scheme, see Attachment 1.

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19. The review also highlighted the following:

19.1. patrons surveyed at Safe City Taxi Ranks during the review of the scheme identified that the majority of male and female patrons use the ranks weekly or more than once a week;

19.2. many were aware that the ranks were supervised by security personnel and this visible security presence did influence their choice to use the ranks;

19.3. all taxi drivers surveyed reported feeling a greater level of security working at a SCTR; and

19.4. drivers commented that the SCTR minimised their exposure to fare evasion due to the presence of security officers at the ranks.

20. Summary of key recommendations as highlighted by the review include:

20.1. improve public knowledge of SCTR by promotion, targeting patrons (e.g. at clubs, pubs etc) and ensuring that signage displayed on the SCTR totems is present and relevant;

20.2. consider a Safe City Taxi Rank within the Docklands precinct;

20.3. consider de-commissioning the rank at 212 King Street and moving it to a proposed location in Queen Street;

20.4. consider relocating the rank at 55 King Street to Flinders Lane;

20.5. consider modification of the hours of operation from the current midnight til 6am to 11pm til 5am;

20.6. consider introducing a distinctive full uniform for SCTR security officers; and

20.7. designs of Taxi Ranks to incorporate (but not limited to) the following key principles:

20.7.1. disability access;

20.7.2. pedestrian access (considering option to eliminate risks of pedestrians “jay walking” to access ranks);

20.7.3. shelter for both security officers and patrons;

20.7.4. street directional signage;

20.7.5. queuing and crowd control systems;

20.7.6. kerb side design to minimise the risk of falls;

20.8. Victoria Police patrol support for operating ranks; and

20.9. collaborate with the Victorian Taxi Association to evaluate the benefits of a flat fare scheme and alternative funding and staffing models for the taxi ranks.

Background 21. At present the City of Melbourne fully funds and operates four Safe City Taxi Ranks with one of

these activated during special events (Outside St Paul’s Cathedral on Swanston Street).

22. All of these Safe City Taxi Ranks are located in the CBD grid.

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Attachment: 1. Review of the Safe City Taxi Rank Scheme

4

23. The City of Melbourne SCTR is closely linked to the Safe City Cameras Program (SCCP). The SCCP aims to provide a safe environment, reduce and detect crime and assist in the apprehension of offenders. It is instrumental to community safety.

24. Each rank has a totem-style sign with an emergency duress button and pinhole camera installed. When the duress button is pressed it automatically activates and rotates the nearest Safe City camera to provide vision of the area of the taxi rank.

25. Each Safe City Taxi Rank is staffed by a security officer in a distinctive vest. Two guards monitor the rank in Flinders Street. The ranks operate from midnight to 6am every Friday and Saturday and during special events such as the Melbourne Grand Prix and New Years Eve. The fourth rank outside St Paul’s Cathedral is activated only during special events when traffic conditions change on Princess Bridge.

26. Currently Ranks are located at:

26.1. 55 King Street;

26.2. Flinders Street Station, St Kilda Road;

26.3. 50 Bourke Street; and

26.4. St Paul’s Cathedral, Swanston Street (situation specific).

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Final Report for the

City of Melbourne on the Review

of the Safe City Taxi Rank Scheme

Prepared by Michel Moutia, Technical Director; and Andrea Rowe, Safety Advisor:

SAFETY ACTION PTY LTD ABN 88 097 510 391

Suite 114 @ 370 St Kilda Road MELBOURNE VIC 3004

Tel: 03 9690 6311 Fax: 03 9690 6399 www.safetyaction.com.au

22nd October 2007

Specialists in Workplace Safety and Business Risk

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http://www.safetyaction.com.au/

gavatt

Text Box

Attachment 1 Agenda Item 5.1 Community Services Committee 15 April 2005

Review & Enhancement of the Safe City Taxi Rank Scheme 2007

Final Report for the City of Melbourne on the Review of the

Safe City Taxi Rank Scheme

Executive Summary This report presented by Safety Action Pty Ltd (Safety Action) provides feedback from key stakeholders and independent analysis in relation to the performance of City of Melbourne Safe City Taxi Rank (SCTR) Scheme and provides recommendations for future enhancements. The report draws upon consultation with key stakeholders, analysis of available data as provided by the City of Melbourne and surveys of patrons, taxi drivers and security officers. The key opportunities identified are to: • Improve the public knowledge of SCTR scheme by promotion, targeting patrons

(e.g. at clubs, pubs etc) and ensure that signage displayed on the SCTR totems is present and relevant, in line with the ICEP recommendations.

• Review the practicability of installing temporary or permanent crowd control systems (e.g. barriers) at all SCTRs.

• Consider modification of the hours of operation from current midnight til 6am to 11pm til 5am.

• Consider introducing a distinctive uniform for SCTR security officers. • Upgrade the design of all taxi ranks as per Vic Roads advisory publication “Taxi

Rank Guidelines, November 2005”. • Develop standard design for SCTR and develop a periodic inspection and

maintenance program to ensure physical and environmental safety and appearance of the ranks.

• Use totems as offered by the Victorian Taxi Directorate. • Provide an additional safe city taxi rank within the Docklands precinct. • Add the Crown Casino, taxi rank, to the scheme. • Supporting Victoria Police patrols of operating ranks • Collaborate with the Victorian Taxi Association to evaluate the benefits of a flat

fare scheme and alternative staffing models for the taxi ranks. In conducting this review Safety Action would like to thank the City of Melbourne for their invaluable support and assistance, in particular Ms Maria Plakourakis, Mr Russell Lightfoot and the SCTR security officers.

******************

Safety Action Pty Ltd 22nd October 2007 Page 2 of 33

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Preliminary Report for the City of Melbourne on the Review of the

Safe City Taxi Rank Scheme 1. Background

Safety Action Pty Ltd (Safety Action) was engaged to undertake a review the Safe City Taxi Rank Scheme on behalf of the City of Melbourne. The Inner City Entertainment Precincts (ICEP) Taskforce was established to advise the Government of Victoria on key issues in the management of entertainment precincts and propose some ways forward, to safeguard amenity and ensure ‘a good night for all’. The ICEP discussion paper prepared by the taskforce, released in February 2005, identified several key issues for consideration and options for consultation, In particular, “Option 35 – Late night transport communications committee – Establish a Late Night Transport Communications Committee to develop and implement a communications strategy to provide information about available late night transport including the Inner City Safe City Taxi Ranks Program.” This report provides feedback from key stakeholders and independent research in relation to the issues identified and the options available to address those issues. This report will assist the City of Melbourne to identify the most appropriate ways forward. 2. Glossary:

ICEP - Inner City Entertainment Precincts SCTRS - Safe City Taxi Ranks Scheme CBD - Central Business District Council - City of Melbourne 3. Review Aim and Methodology Broadly, this review was aimed at examining the effectiveness of the Safe City Taxi Rank Scheme and to provide recommendations for improvement. The overall objectives of this project were to:

• Document the achievements of the Safe City Taxi Rank Scheme, and the extent to which the scheme meets its stated aims;

• Review the operational effectiveness of the scheme (i.e. hours of operation, number and location of Safe City taxi ranks, effectiveness of staffing model, etc);

• Review the efficiency and effectiveness of current data collection methods;

• Identify other areas where Safe City Taxi Ranks may be of benefit;

• Identify and report on new and emerging local, interstate and international practices that may improve operations of the Safe City Taxi Rank Scheme; and

• Identify other funding sources to support, and where necessary, expand the program.


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Primarily the methodology for the review was designed for Safety Action consultants to gain an understanding of the main issues.

Research and interview sessions were conducted by Safety Action. Stakeholders were initially contacted by the City of Melbourne and provided with preliminary details explaining the purpose of the interviews and where applicable, with an agenda for discussion.

The focus of all consultative measures was to enable the identification and evaluation of the key risk issues as perceived by the stakeholders, including but not limited to:

• Exploring the effectiveness of the SCTR Scheme (i.e. location, usage, and future directions for the program);

• Alcohol related anti-social behaviour and violence in and around the City’s late night entertainment precincts particularly at weekends, known to have contributed to lack of perceived safety in the CBD;

• The ability to assist in creating a safer environment for passengers and taxi drivers;

• The ability to reduce anti-social behaviours by providing well lit and monitored zones, on site supervision and immediate contact with emergency services;

• Encouraging taxis to service the City’s late entertainment precincts by transporting patrons to and from the City, in particular after 1am;

• The appropriate number and location of SCTR in the City of Melbourne;

• Marketing of the SCTR Scheme;

• Taxi Driver Education and awareness;

• Patron awareness; and

• Other aspects relating to the provision of other public transport support services. 4. Risks and Opportunities 4.1 City of Melbourne’s SCTR and ICEP ‘A good night for all’ Options for improving safety and amenity in inner city entertainment precinct, Published by Crime Prevention Victoria, Department of Justice, Victoria on behalf of the Inner City Entertainment Precincts (ICEP) Taskforce. February 2005. The discussion paper noted that the availability of safe and accessible transport was a significant factor contributing to minimising problem patron behaviour in entertainment precincts and that the measures implemented by the City of Melbourne SCTRs provided access to safe public transport. The paper also stated that more was necessary to ensure greater levels of safety and security in the inner city entertainment precinct and proposed several options including supporting the establishment of an Inner City Safe City Taxi Ranks Program across the Cities of Melbourne, Stonnington, Port Phillip and Yarra. This should include an increase in the number and profile of the ranks in all entertainment precincts and marketing under a consistent brand to maximise exposure. These recommendations are also supported by the findings of this review.


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4.2 Usage

05000

1000015000200002500030000350004000045000

Flinders St Bourke St 55 King St 212 King St

Number of Patorns per Year

20032004200520062x(Jan - Jun '07)

Chart 1: Number of Patrons per Year

Chart 1 above shows the yearly patronage of the SCTR, with the exception of 212 King St location that was last monitored in 2004. Note: for the purpose of this comparative analysis only, we have doubled the Jan to June 2007 patron numbers to obtain a twelve month estimate for 2007. More than 54,000 used the SCTR service in 2006 and at current rates approximately 50,000 are expected to use the service in 2007. The table below shows the average number of patrons at each SCTR location per year.

Location Flinders St Bourke St 55 King StNumber of Patrons 31,270 13,373 3564

Table 1: Average number of Patrons per Year

These rates compare favourably with known published data from other similar schemes, such as for the City of Ballarat, who have reported that their Safe City Taxi Rank has to date taken over 200,000 patrons home after a night out since November 2000. In Ballarat, more than 40,000 people used the service during 2005-06. Surveys of patrons identified that of the majority, male or female, were using the SCTR more than once a week to weekly.


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0

5

10

15

20

25

30

More thanonce a week

Weekly Monthly Six Monthly Once a Year

Frequency of Use

MaleFemaleTotal

Chart 2: Frequency of Use 4.3 Incidents About 139 incidents were reported between June 2002 and July 2007. As anticipated given that more patrons use the Flinders St SCTR, the analysis of incidents shows that more incidents occurs at Flinders St than at any other ranks. Of all the incidents most related to violence and antisocial behaviour. Victoria Police attended to some of the incidents, however it is not clear from the data collected how they were contacted and how quickly Victoria Police arrived on site.

0

5

10

15

20

25

Violence SexualAssault

FareEvasion

DrunkenDisorderly

Weapons AntisocialBehaviour

Type of Incident (June 2002 to Feb 2007)

Chart 3: Type of Incident


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Some incidents have resulted in injuries to security guards. As outlined later in this report with two (2) security guards at Flinders St, on most occasions incidents are dealt with before any major violent escalation. 4.4 Informing the Community Attachment 1 shows the City of Melbourne’s WEB page advertising the SCTR scheme. Other than word of mouth advertisement, mostly by patrons who use the ranks regularly, we understand that the City of Melbourne has not recently embarked on promoting the scheme. This is reflected in the survey of partons which shows, in Chart 3 below, that ~63% of the patrons surveyed had no prior knowledge of the SCTR scheme.

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00%

70.00%

Male Female Total

Patron's Prior Knowledge of SCTR Service

YesNo

Chart 3: Patron’s Prior Knowledge of SCTR Service

It was noticeable that those who did not have prior knowledge of the scheme were pleasantly surprised to have a security officer at a taxi rank. One patron was quoted to have said “…this is my first time in the city and I can’t believe that there are people helping us…” Of those who had chosen to catch a taxi from the SCTR’s, many were aware that the SCTRs were supervised by security personnel and that this visible security presence did influence their choice to use the SCTRs. Less that 20% of those who had chosen to catch a taxi from the SCTRs were aware of the other security measures featured at the ranks.


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0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Plan to

drink

alco

hol

No other p

ublic

transp

ort

Too fa

r to w

alk ho

me

Safest

way to

get h

ome

Quicke

st way

to ge

t hom

eOthe

r

Reason to Use a TaxiNote: some patrons offered multiple reasons

MaleFemaleTotal

Chart 4: Reason to Use a Taxi 4.5 Interviews with Taxi Drivers All taxi drivers reported feeling a greater level of security working at a SCTR. Some drivers identified racism as a concern and Safety Action observed on one occasion a taxi driver refusing a fare due a racist comment made by a patron. The refusal of the fare was fully supported by the security officers on duty at the time of the incident. Drivers also commented that the SCTR scheme minimised their exposure to fare evasion due to the presence of security officers at the ranks. 4.6 Hours of Operation

Percentage of Patrons During the Hours of Operation

26.21%

28.90%18.61%

13.71%

7.23% 5.33%12pm - 1am1am - 2am2am - 3am3am - 4am4am - 5am5am - 6am

Chart 5: Showing the distribution of partons over a random 13 days of operation


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The chart above shows an hourly analysis of the number of patrons across a randomly selected 13 day period of operation of the SCTR (with the exception of Bourke St, where Safety Action understands that special events are sometimes scheduled to end early in the morning). The majority of patrons ~95% use the SCTR between midnight and five am. This together with anecdotal information from security officers would appear to suggest that SCTR service should be modified to operate between the hours of 11pm to 5am instead of the current hours of operation between 12pm and 6am. It was observed from the records kept by the City of Melbourne that an 11pm to 5am shift was trialled on the 29th June 2007. One night of data is insufficient data to draw any conclusions at this stage. 4.6.1 Staffing Model The SCTR scheme is advertised as “staffed by a security officer in a distinct uniform” and as previously outlined the presence of a security officer(s) is clearly recognised from the survey of patrons and through interviews with key stakeholders as a key strength of the scheme. Safety Action noted during the survey that some patrons were confused about the identification of the security officers. For example: patrons were heard saying “are you a ticket inspector” and “police”. This observation was reinforced by conversation with security officers. The City of Melbourne provides for two (2) security personnel at the Flinders St rank and one (1) at all other taxi SCTR’s. Two (2) documented operational procedures have been prepared detailing the operational, security, rank protocols and reporting requirements etc. for security officers. Both documents appear to describe the same requirements. Safety Action recommends that only one (1) official document should be prepared, authorised and issued. The City of Melbourne strategy for staffing the SCTR scheme is understood to primarily be based on the average number of patrons using the ranks. Feedback from security staff and from stakeholder interviews and Safety Actions’ own observation suggest that a minimum of two (2) security officers at all ranks is recommended. This recommendation is based on (but not limited to) the view that with two (2) security officers present this results in:

1. Increased level of security for security officers.

2. Increased ability to better control crowds.

3. Ability to schedule staggered meal breaks and maintain a security presence throughout the whole period the rank is operational.

4.7 Number and Location

SCTR’s currently operates at the following locations:

• 55 Kings Street;

• 20 Bourke Street; and

• Flinders Street Station on Swanston Street.

Two additional SCTR’s located in Swanston Street out the front of St. Paul’s Cathedral and 212 King Street are activated as required.


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This review has identified the potential for new SCTRs within the Docklands precincts and formalising an existing taxi rank at Clarendon St Crown Casino, as part of the city’s SCTR scheme. Note: the operators of the Crown Casino complex would continue to provide security for the rank. Interviews with local residential stakeholders expressed concern about lack of taxis servicing the Docklands precinct, in particular, on Friday and Saturday evenings. Safety Action was advised that several nightclubs at Docklands close at 3am and at this time many patrons (some possibly influenced by alcohol) create excessive noise, disturbing the residents. Safety Action was also advised that damage has occurred to property and gardens. The stakeholders believe the locations of existing ranks (at Aquatania Lane and Caravel Lane) are not appropriate, given their proximity to low rise residential buildings. Stakeholders representing the residents support the objectives of safe tank ranks and proposed that a SCTR would be more suitable nearer to Waterfront City. Interviews also took place with Monjon (Australia) Pty Ltd (Monjon) who currently operates the contract for the provision of security services including closed circuit television and security patrols of existing taxi ranks. Monjon were receptive to the idea of establishing a SCTR within the Docklands precinct and recognise that additional consultation is required between residents, developers and venue managers to ensure all relevant information are presented prior to selecting an approach to the provision of public transport for late night patrons visiting the precinct. Recommendations:

1. Docklands SCTR: • Consult with the local venue managers and other stakeholders to identify and confirm the

preferred location for a SCTR.

• Design and install taxi rank, closed circuit monitoring system, totem, directional signage etc for the rank.

2. Crown Casino:

• Design and install closed circuit monitoring system, totem, directional signage etc for the rank.


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4.8 Design of Taxi Ranks SCTR’s are designed to be instantly recognisable for patrons. This has been achieved primarily by the installation of a totem identifying the location of the SCTR. Below is a pictorial summary and observations of all existing operational or temporary ranks.

Ideally totems are fitted with:

• Push button activated keyhole security camera and speaker/microphone, for direct link with the City of Melbourne security control room.

• Lit information panels displaying SCTR maps, hours of operations and other relevant information.

Push Button activated keyhole security camera and speaker/microphone

Sample SCTR Totem


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55 King Street

Photo 1: showing the SCTR totem, outside VCAT building. Note: One fixed post fitted at the rank appears to be part of the crowd control barrier system.

Photo 2: showing distinctive line markings for a 7 zone taxi rank. Note this zoned taxi rank operates as “normal” metered motor vehicle parking bays at all other times except during the SCTR operating hours.

Photo 3: showing dome closed circuit security camera.

Photo 4: showing nearby signage for “Night Rider” bus service.


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Key Observations:

1. Well lit, visible location.

2. No physical systems for orderly control of crowds.

3. Inadequate location of the first cab rank. i.e. the presence of the SCTR totem, fixed post and Parking Meter Station makes it difficult for patrons to access and open vehicle doors.

4. No information (e.g. maps, hours of operations etc) displayed on the totem.

5. No street directional signage to direct patrons to the rank.

6. No shelter for security officers or patrons. Note: the entrance steps to the VCAT building does provide some shelter. However, this is not ideal as this would mean that the security officer will be standing away (more than 5m) from the totem.

7. Increased risk of “jay walking” by pedestrian given nearby entertainment venues across the road.

Note: It was expressed by a venue owner that the location (across the street) was favoured by the venue operator as it is in support of their crowd management initiatives (i.e. prevent groups from congregating outside their premises).

8. Kerb side design presents an increased risk of falls.


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212 King Street

Photo 1: showing the SCTR totem, outside IGA X-press building. Notes:

1. No crowd control barrier system.

2. This taxi rank operates as “normal” metered motor vehicle parking bays at all other times except during the SCTR operating hours.

3. Dome closed circuit security camera.

Photo 2: showing maps posted in the SCTR totem.

Photo 3: showing information displayed on SCTR totem.


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Key Observations:






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20 Bourke Street

Photo 1: showing the SCTR totem. Notes:


2. This taxi rank operates as “normal” restricted motor vehicle loading zone at all other times except during the SCTR operating hours.

3. No information displayed on SCTR totem.

Photo 2: showing No taxi marking – current construction of super Tram Stop and related roadworks activities does not allow for taxi zone, or for taxi to stop.

Closed circuit security camera fitted.

Key Observations:

1. Safety Action understands that during the construction activities relating to the Super Tram Stop the SCTR has been temporarily relocated to 25 – 30 Bourke St, a new permanent location in the vicinity of the Metro Nightclub and other nearby late night venues is under consideration.



4. Additional issues associated with the temporary Bourke Rd SCTR:

a. No physical systems for orderly control of crowds, existing barriers part of day time road side café prohibits orderly coordination of patrons.

b. Insufficient parking pays for waiting taxis.

c. Temporary directional signage to direct patrons to 25 – 30 Bourke St not being observed by both the patrons and taxi drivers, resulting in significant road traffic issues with taxis continuing to stop at 20 Bourke St, thereby totally blocking the road.

d. Rank and security officer not always within the viewing zone of the existing security camera.

5. Kerb side design presents increased risk of falls.

6. Identify and relocate totem to the new Bourke St SCTR.


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Swanston Street – St Paul’s Cathedral

Photo 1: showing the SCTR totem, outside Cathedral building. Notes:


2. This taxi rank operates as a permanent taxi rank. No marked taxi rank zone.

3. No additional security camera (other than keyhole security camera fitted on the totem).

4. Some street lighting obstructed by trees.

Photo 2: showing information posted in the SCTR totem.

Photo 3: showing maps displayed on SCTR totem.


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Key Observations:



3. No safe city security camera.

4. Some street lights obstructed by trees.

5. No shelter for security officers or patrons.




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Swanston Street – Flinders Street Station

Photo 1: showing the SCTR totem, outside Flinders St Station. Broken glass display panel on the totem.

Photo 1: showing the SCTR totem, outside Flinders St Station. Notes:

1. Crowd control barrier system fitted.

2. This taxi rank operates as a permanent taxi rank. With marked taxi rank zone for up to eight vehicles.

3. Security camera (including keyhole security camera fitted on the totem).

4. Totem cannot be seen by pedestrian when approaching rank.

5. Totem keyhole security camera is not oriented along the direction of the crow control system, making this security device ineffective in an emergency. Note also crowd control barriers prevent rapid access to totem.

Key Observations:

1. Totem cannot be seen by pedestrian (from either direction) when approaching rank.

2. Totem keyhole security camera is not oriented along the direction of the crow control system, making this security device ineffective in an emergency. Note also crowd control barriers prevent rapid access to totem.

3. Kerb side design drain grill on the gutter presents an increase risk of falls. Safety Action was advised by security officers of known near misses involving high heels being caught in the grill. Currently this is being controlled by the security officers forewarning passengers of the kerb.


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4. The opening in the barrier at the end of the queue was not wide enough to accommodate both the front and rear car door. This has the potential for a striking injury to a passenger’s arm or other part of the body, when attempting to board the rear of the vehicle.

5. Several taxi drivers were observed standing on the road (e.g. talking to other drivers). Security officers attempted to enforce the rule that drivers were not permitted to leave their vehicles unattended. However, many continued to step out of their taxis.

Key Recommendations: 1. Upgrade design of all taxi ranks as per Vic Roads advisory publication “Taxi Rank Guidelines,

November 2005”. See Attachment 7.

2. City of Melbourne to develop design standard for SCTR and develop a periodic inspection program to ensure physical and environmental safety and appearance of the ranks.

3. Designs of taxi rank to incorporate (but not limited to) the following key principles:

a. Disability access

b. Pedestrian access (considering option to eliminate risks of pedestrians “jay walking” to access ranks)

c. Shelter for both security officers and patrons

d. Street directional signage

e. Queuing and crowd control systems (including required barrier opening at the first rank position)

f. Kerb side design to minimise the risk of falls


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4.9 New and Emerging Opportunities

4.9.1 Promotion of Scheme To ensure continued success and increasing patronage of the scheme Safety Action recommends that the City of Melbourne conduct a specific promotional campaign of the scheme. Ideally this campaign would be lead in collaboration with key late night entertainment venues (e.g. clubs and pubs) given that the majority of taxi patrons are frequenting these establishments. Based on the success of campaigns by Queensland Transport and the City of Ballarat the following initiatives are proposed:

1. Promotion of the SCTR scheme in the form of advertising brochures (See Attachment 2) during University, Colleges and other educational facilities Orientation Week.

2. Promotion of the SCTR scheme in the form of drink coasters (See Attachment 3) and posters (or similar) in venue amenities.

In addition Safety Action recommends that street signage and supporting street direction signage (See Attachment 4) be designed and placed to direct partons to a SCTR from venues not in the direct line of sight of a SCTR. 4.9.2 Flat Fare Taxis In partnership with the Victorian Taxi Association, the City of Melbourne should consider the benefits of developing a flat fare taxi scheme based on the Queensland Transport model. This model incorporates:

• A service ideal for patrons who are happy to share a taxi with other people travelling in the same general direction.

• Taxi fare based on a modified Train and Bus zones fee schedule. Recognising that a taxi fare is more than an equivalent bus or train ticket but less than a standard taxi fare home.

• Taxi fare paid directly to the driver at the beginning of the journey.

• The taxi’s route as determined by the location of passenger drop-off points, with the driver deviating from major roads only to drop passengers at their door.

4.9.3 Collaborative Arrangements with Taxi companies – Staffing Queensland transport has adopted a shared funding approach for the staffing of taxi ranks. Each safe taxi rank is staffed by a security officer funded by Queensland Transport plus a Marshall funded by the two (2) taxi operators in the City of Brisbane. Subject to further discussions with the Victorian Taxi Association the benefits of this staff funding model should be evaluated for the scheme. 4.9.4 Victoria Police Patrols The analysis of the hours of operation of the SCTR also showed that between the hours of 4 to 6 am generally the ranks were quietest. From the interviews with the security personnel it was also identified that it was during this period of the morning that they felt most susceptible to an assault. Safety Action recommends in partnership with the City of Melbourne, that Victoria Police visit SCTR locations as part of routine patrols. The purpose to the visit is primarily to demonstrate a police presence in support of the security officers, patrons and taxi driver safety and security.


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4.9.5 Record Taking Exact timing may not be necessary and can be difficult for security officers, especially in very busy times. Safety Action recommends that the records should be tracked hourly e.g. count of number of patrons or fare between 1am to 2am. Note: the existing practice to record the taxi vehicle number, destination and number of patrons should continue. 4.9.6 Frankston's Safe Taxi Rank The City of Frankston has also adopted successful Safe Taxi Rank measures to deal with late night safety and security of patrons and public transport. The city of Frankston took a different approach to selecting the site of the safe taxi rank and selected to spread the volume of patrons across the various public transport options available during the late night hours. Effectively the taxi rank is located in a purpose built shelter away from the venue and separated from other public transport facilities. The success of the approach is partially attributed to distributing the number of patrons across separate public transport locations and the provision of staffed security services (including closed circuit television montoring). Frankston's Safe Taxi Rank is on the corner Davey and Young Streets. The taxi rank is operational from 1:00am to 5:00am on Saturday and Sunday, as well as public holidays and for special events. The taxi rank security is funded by local venues managers. Patrons at the rank are also requested for ID and the details are recorded, along with the details of the allocated taxi cab. 4.9.7 Taxi Industry Safety Taskforce Initiatives The Victorian Taxi Safety Strategy established as an outcome of the Taxi Industry Safety Taskforce is based on protecting, informing, training, supporting and listening to drivers. Driver education strategies by the taskforce support the establishment and use of safe taxi ranks by drivers as a secure place to pick up fares while at the same time providing a safe place for passengers to wait. The Victorian Taxi Directorate has also offered the City of Melbourne a number of new taxi rank identification totems (See Attachment 6). Safety Action recommends that the City of Melbourne take advantage of this generous offer and use the available totems.

5. Summary of Recommendations • Improve public knowledge of SCTR scheme by promotion, targeting patrons (e.g. at clubs, pubs

etc) and ensure that signage displayed on the SCTR totems is present and relevant, in line with the ICEP recommendations.

• Review practicability of installing temporary or permanent crowd control systems (e.g. barriers) at all SCTRs.

• Consider modification of the hours of operation from the current midnight til 6am to 11pm til 5am.

• Consider introducing a distinctive uniform for SCTR security officers. • Upgrade the design of all taxi ranks as per Vic Roads advisory publication “Taxi Rank

Guidelines, November 2005”.


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http://www.taxi.vic.gov.au/DOI/Internet/vehicles.nsf/AllDocs/6920D0BC86F2FF4DCA25722D000A718E?OpenDocument


• Develop standard design for SCTR and develop a periodic inspection and maintenance program

to ensure physical and environmental safety and appearance of the ranks. • Use totems as offered by the Victorian Taxi Directorate. • Designs of taxi rank to incorporate (but not limited to) the following key principles:

o Disability access

o Pedestrian access (considering option to eliminate risks of pedestrians “jay walking” to access ranks)

o Shelter for both security officers and patrons

o Street directional signage

o Queuing and crowd control systems

o Kerb side design to minimise the risk of falls

• Identify and relocated totem to the new Bourke St SCTR. • Provide an additional safe city taxi rank within the Docklands precinct. • Add the Crown Casino, Clarendon St taxi rank, to the scheme. • Support Victoria Police patrols operating ranks • Collaborate with the Victorian Taxi Association to evaluate the benefits of a flat fare scheme

and alternative staffing models for the taxi ranks.

******************


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ATTACHMENTS

1. City of Melbourne WEB page advertising the SCTR Scheme. 2. Queensland Transport Secure Taxi Ranks, advertising

material. 3. Queensland Transport sample drinks coaster, advertising

material. 4. Queensland Transport sample street signage. 5. Safe City Taxi Rank Scheme – PATRON SURVEY. 6. Sample Victorian Taxi Directorate Totem. 7. Vic Roads Taxi Rank Guidelines Nov 2005.


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ATTACHMENT 1

City of Melbourne WEB page advertising the SCTR Scheme

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ATTACHMENT 2

Queensland Transport Secure Taxi Ranks advertising material

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ATTACHMENT 3

Queensland Transport sample drinks coaster advertising material

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ATTACHMENT 5

Queensland Transport sample street signage

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gavatt

Text Box

4



ATTACHMENT 5

Safe City Taxi Rank Scheme PATRON SURVEY Date: ___________________________

Hello, I’m collecting information on behalf of the City of Melbourne about the Safe City Taxi Rank program. These questions should only take 5 minutes and your answers will remain anonymous.

Gender (please circle): Male Female

Age (please circle): under 18 19-25 26-35 Over 35

Which rank? (please circle) Flinders St Station 55 King St 22 Bourke St

Travelling alone? (please circle) Yes No If No, total number of people: ______

1. How frequently do you visit the Melbourne CBD late at night?

a) More than once a week b) weekly c) monthly d) every 6 months e) once a year

2. What is your primary purpose for visiting the City tonight? (please circle only one)

a) Movie / Theatre b) Museum / Gallery c) Club / Pub d) Shopping e) Watching sporting match f) Major event / festival g) Party h) Visiting family / friends i) Work j) Other (please specify)

3. What was your primary reason to take a taxi tonight?

a) Plan to drink alcohol? b) No other public transport? c) Too far to walk home? d) Safer way of getting home? e) Quicker way of getting home? f) Other (please specify)…………..

4. When did you decide to take a taxi tonight? (please circle one)

a) Before leaving home? b) After leaving home?

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5. Are you aware that this rank is a Safe City Taxi Rank managed by the City of Melbourne?

(please circle) a) Yes b) No (if no, go to Question 7)

6. Are you aware of the features of the Safe City Taxi Rank? (please circle an answer for

each)

a. Supervised by security yes no b. Duress button yes no c. Patron and Taxi details are recorded for safety purposes yes no d. Rank is linked to Council’s CCTV system monitored 24hrs/7days yes no

7. Why did you choose to use this Safe City Taxi Rank (please circle one or more)

a. Supervised by security b. Duress button c. Patron and Taxi details are recorded for safety purposes d. Rank is linked to Council’s CCTV system monitored 24hrs/7days e. Well lit f. Feel safe g. More taxis stop at this rank h. Close to venues I attend i. Easy to access j. Other (please specify) ……….

8. Have you used this or any other Safe City Taxi Rank before? (please circle)

a. Yes b. No

9. Have you had any problems catching a taxi here before? (please circle)

c. Yes d. No

9.1 If Yes, explain why? a. Long queues b. No / few taxis stopping at the rank c. Too unsafe d. Poorly supervised e. Other (please specify)

10. What do you like about this safe city taxi rank? (please circle one or more)

f. Supervised by security g. Duress button h. Patron and Taxi details are recorded for safety purposes i. Rank is linked to Council’s CCTV system monitored 24hrs/7days j. Well lit k. Feel safe l. More taxis stop at this rank m. Close to venues I attend n. Easy to access o. Other (please specify) ……….

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11. How would you improve the Safe City Taxi Rank program?

a) more ranks b) more taxis c) better security d) better lighting e) other (please specify).....................

12. Will you use the Safe City Taxi Rank again? (please circle)

a. Yes b. No

13. Where else in the City of Melbourne should a Safe City Taxi Rank be installed? (please circle one or more)

a) Docklands b) Southbank c) Lygon Street, Carlton d) Errol Street, North Melbourne e) Lonsdale Street (Greek precinct) f) Other streets in the CBD (if so, where?) g) Other (please specify)

Thank you for your participation

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ATTACHMENT 6

Sample Victorian Taxi Directorate Totems

Side 1 Side 2

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ATTACHMENT 7

Vic Roads Taxi Rank Guidelines Nov 2005

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Agenda Item 5.1 Community Services Committee

15 April 2008

FINANCE ATTACHMENT


It is expected that relocation of current ranks or extending the program will have impacts on the capital, monitoring and maintenance costs of the Safe City Cameras Program. With the information available in the report a quantifiable financial impact is unable to be provided.

Joe Groher Manager Financial Services

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Agenda Item 5.1 Community Services Committee

15 April 2008

LEGAL ATTACHMENT


No direct legal issues arise from the recommendation from Management.

The subject matter of the report and the recommendation are within the functions and powers of the Council.

Section 3C(2) of the Local Government Act 1989 (“the Act”) provides that in seeking to meet its primary objective of endeavouring to achieve the best outcomes for the local community having regard to the long term and cumulative effects of decisions, Council may have regard to the following facilitating objective:

“(c) to improve the overall quality of life of people in the local community;”

Further, section 3E(1) of the Act sets out that the functions of a Council include:

“(h) any other function relating to the peace, order and good government of the municipal district.”

Kim Wood

Manager Legal Services

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REVIEW AND ENHANCEMENT OF THE SAFE CITY TAXI RANK … · 19. The review also highlighted the...

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