MELBOURNE'S CBD has been brought to a standstill by hundreds of barechested angry cab drivers demanding more security in taxis after a driver was stabbed by a passenger.
The protesters have blocked key streets in the city for more than 12 hours and are refusing to end the standoff until the state Transport Minister Lynne Kosky meets with them.
The more than 1000 drivers rallied on the corner of Swanston and Flinders streets, one of the city's busiest intersections, in freezing temperatures through the night to demand better security for taxi drivers and vowed to remain there all day.
By peak hour this morning, the group had become particularly agitated, dancing with shirts off and chanting for justice. Witnesses said the protest was becoming intense.
It follows the stabbing of a 23-year-old taxi driver, a student from India, who was critically injured in inner suburban Clifton Hill about 3am Tuesday.
A man will appear in a Melbourne court today charged with attempted murder.
Parish Charles, 45, was arrested and was remanded in custody after appearing before an out-of-court sessions hearing last night.
Traffic and tram services were disrupted overnight.
Earlier, one of the organisers, Indian-born taxi driver Jazz Randyboy, said the protest had been peaceful.
"Everyone is calm and still, we are not being angry," he said.
"We will stay here until the matter is sorted, we will be here all day and even overnight again if we need to."
Banners on display read: "Do not kill the cab drivers."
People could still drive into the city, but the area around Federation Square and Flinders St Station was blocked, he said.
Tram, train and bus services are likely to be disrupted, with taxi drivers sitting on the tram lines.
Mr Randyboy said police and the government must do something about driver safety.
"Police are not giving us any support or anything, when we complain they simply tell us that they can't do anything. They need to wake up."
Drivers needed protection, he said.
"We are providing the public transport, like the bus, tram or train drivers.
"If anyone puts their hands on us, we should be protected or able to protect ourselves."
Mr Randyboy said he expected thousands more drivers to converge on the area later today, as shifts change and word spreads.
Victorian Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said protective screens were being trialled and could soon be introduced in taxis for drivers who wanted them.
Taxi driver protest clogs Melbourne | The Australian
The protesters have blocked key streets in the city for more than 12 hours and are refusing to end the standoff until the state Transport Minister Lynne Kosky meets with them.
The more than 1000 drivers rallied on the corner of Swanston and Flinders streets, one of the city's busiest intersections, in freezing temperatures through the night to demand better security for taxi drivers and vowed to remain there all day.
By peak hour this morning, the group had become particularly agitated, dancing with shirts off and chanting for justice. Witnesses said the protest was becoming intense.
It follows the stabbing of a 23-year-old taxi driver, a student from India, who was critically injured in inner suburban Clifton Hill about 3am Tuesday.
A man will appear in a Melbourne court today charged with attempted murder.
Parish Charles, 45, was arrested and was remanded in custody after appearing before an out-of-court sessions hearing last night.
Traffic and tram services were disrupted overnight.
Earlier, one of the organisers, Indian-born taxi driver Jazz Randyboy, said the protest had been peaceful.
"Everyone is calm and still, we are not being angry," he said.
"We will stay here until the matter is sorted, we will be here all day and even overnight again if we need to."
Banners on display read: "Do not kill the cab drivers."
People could still drive into the city, but the area around Federation Square and Flinders St Station was blocked, he said.
Tram, train and bus services are likely to be disrupted, with taxi drivers sitting on the tram lines.
Mr Randyboy said police and the government must do something about driver safety.
"Police are not giving us any support or anything, when we complain they simply tell us that they can't do anything. They need to wake up."
Drivers needed protection, he said.
"We are providing the public transport, like the bus, tram or train drivers.
"If anyone puts their hands on us, we should be protected or able to protect ourselves."
Mr Randyboy said he expected thousands more drivers to converge on the area later today, as shifts change and word spreads.
Victorian Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said protective screens were being trialled and could soon be introduced in taxis for drivers who wanted them.
Taxi driver protest clogs Melbourne | The Australian
Comment