Taxi drivers are installing security cameras and electronic locks to protect against an upsurge in violent attacks from passengers, it emerged today.
The National Taxi Drivers Union (NTDU) said there had been an upsurge in attacks, with seven in the last six weeks. As a result, drivers are installing security cameras in their cars to record the faces of violent passengers.
Others are installing electronic locks which allow them to safely hop out of the car with their troublesome passengers trapped inside.
Xpert, a new taxi company, which is starting business in Dublin next month, will have security cameras in all of its 500-car fleet.
"That will be a great help. At least it will be on tape and the guards will be able to identify the culprits," said NTDU President Tommy Gorman.
He added that it would also reassure passengers, who have been worried by some of the disreputable drivers that have entered the industry since deregulation in 2000.
The NTDU estimates there are between three and six serious attacks on taxi drivers every week, with most of them occurring in Dublin.
In one of the latest attacks, a 64-year-old driver was left with a burst blood vessel in his leg after two youths attacked him beside the Molly Malone statue at the foot of Grafton Street.
PA