By Janika ter Ellen
Cameras in taxis became compulsory today and cab companies are hoping they will help keep their drivers safe.
The law change follows a spate of attacks on taxi drivers last year, including the killing of Auckland driver Hiren Mohini in January.
But not all drivers are convinced the cameras will save them.
Schlemon Yako's back in his cab this month, now recovered from an attack in March when he was stabbed seven times by a passenger on the overnight shift.
He is happy to be back with his mates but says his new camera is not enough to keep drivers safe.
“It will not do anything to some people. Because some people will drink, you know, with a camera or anything,” he says.
His colleagues are divided though.
But the Taxi Federation says it is hoping for top results, citing a 75 percent reduction in violence against cabbies in parts of Australia, where the cameras were made mandatory last year.
“We think it'll moderate customers behaviour,” says Tim Reddish of the Taxi Federation.
But a last minute rush to get cameras into cars has caused supply issues, and some drivers have missed out.
The New Zealand Transport Association says 20 percent of drivers, or 1500 cabs, still do not have them installed.
The agency says it has had assurances from all taxi companies that no audio recordings will take place.
And regardless, Mr Yako says Government-funded shields are the only thing that will make him return to nightshift.
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