Transport Minister Rita Saffioti pleads for Geraldton rock throwers to stop targeting wheelchair taxis

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti is pleading for an end to rock-throwing in Geraldton following an alarming new trend that has seen culprits target wheelchair-accessible taxis. A maxi taxi owner operating under Geraldton Associated Taxis recently revealed he has been forced to replace four smashed windows so far this year after objects were propelled at the moving vehicle. Transport Minister and Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti spoke out during a visit to Geraldton on Friday, calling for those risking the safety of the community to stop. “Those wheelchair-accessible vehicles are much-needed by people in the community and they don’t have other options, so we want the vehicles on the road,” she said. “We ask those people throwing those rocks, please don’t do it.” In July, the State Government introduced the Regional Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Taxi Service grant scheme to boost transport options for wheelchair-bound passengers in the regions. Geraldton Associated Taxis received $45,000 to replace the ageing WAV owned by the company, understood to be nearly written off and uncomfortable for passengers. The scheme will continue over the next four years, dispersing a total of $1.5 million to WAV owners across regional centres. But the essential service has become a target for rock-throwers, who it’s understood regard the bigger vehicles as “easy targets”, putting vulnerable passengers and drivers at risk and deterring people from operating the service. Ms Saffioti said the State Government recognised that WAV taxi services were in high demand in regional WA, which was why they introduced the new grants. “Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles are in such high demand,” she said. “You’re harming some of the most vulnerable people in our community and people that don’t have other options. “These wheelchair-accessible vehicles are a necessity, they’re in demand, and we don’t want them off the road.” City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said he was well aware of the “scourge” of rock-throwing in the community. “It’s extremely disappointing that despite efforts to educate kids in schools and public campaigns, young kids still think it’s enjoyable to throw rocks, particularly at disabled vans that are often delivering services for the people that need it the most,” he said. Although Mr Van Styn said it was great to see the State Government investing in new infrastructure for WAV services, he hoped there were still drivers willing to operate the vehicles. “Geraldton overall is struggling with getting drivers to drive taxis as a result of poor behaviour and in particular, a result of damage to vehicles due to rock throwing,” he said. “Whilst the service could always do with more money and resources, ultimately the youths that are rock throwing need to be apprehended and made to account for the damage they’ve caused, or their parents.” Geraldton Police officer in charge Sen. Sgt Chris Martin said the overall rate of rock-throwing had reduced in the community, especially in the vicinity of previous hotspot North West Coastal Highway.