SUTHERLAND Chamber of Commerce president Tony Mills would prefer it if his shop did not smell of urine.
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
Taxi drivers have been accused of using the small lane beside his variety store in Sutherland as a toilet for more than 11 years.
Sutherland police are investigating two recent cases where Mr Mills caught drivers in the act.
In NSW, the fine for public urination has increased to $500 under section 4 (offensive conduct) of the Summary Offences Act 1998.
"There's service stations, there's plenty of places where these guys could go," Mr Mills said.
The NSW taxi industry must adhere to legislation enforced by the state government, although Transport for NSW does not provide rest centres for taxi drivers.
St George Cabs Co-Operative Limited general manager Darryl Briggs said taxi drivers were disadvantaged in this regard.
"However, we frown upon behaviour like this," Mr Briggs said.
He and Mr Mills said taxi drivers had a responsibility to conduct themselves in a proper manner.
A spokeswoman for Transport for NSW said: "Taxis and taxi companies are privately owned and so responsibility for amenities rests with those companies."
Mr Mills said that when the wind blew in a certain direction the smell wafted through his shop.
Sutherland police said taxi drivers had access to toilets at Sutherland railway station and a 24-hour petrol station.
Most people caught urinating in public were issued an on-the-spot fine, Sutherland police said.
DOB IN A DRIPPER
Complaints about taxi services can be made to the Transport for NSW taxi customer feedback management system.
Police can also investigate if there are witnesses.
Complaints hotline: 1800648478. Feedback form: transport.nsw.gov.au
