Bruce Saunders pushes for safety measures after Uber driver Scott Cabrie’s death

The alleged murder of an Uber driver that rocked the Hervey Bay and broader community has prompted new pleas for better safety measures for drivers.

Hervey Bay Uber driver Scott Cabrie died in an alleged murder which two teenagers have been charged for.

In the wake of the alleged murder of Hervey Bay Uber driver Scott Cabrie, Maryborough MP Bruce Saunders is fighting for changes to make drivers’ jobs safer.

Mr Saunders outlined suggestions for safety measures that could be employed in the aftermath of the tragedy in a letter to Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey.

Mr Cabrie, 47, was found dead near a boat ramp on Power House Rd in Howard last Sunday after being missing for several days.

Two teenagers have since been charged with murder in relation to the Toogoom man’s death.

One measure suggested by Mr Saunders was that Uber drivers should be fitted with cameras, for their safety, and as a protection for their passengers.

“There needs to be a review of what cameras can be fitted to Uber vehicles,” he said.

Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders is calling for changes to make Uber safer for drivers. Picture Lachie Millard

“Uber drivers can only install cameras that are listed on the TMR website.

“The cameras are required to be fitted by technicians, who have advised the Uber drivers that the install requires a hole be drilled into the roof of the vehicle.

“This does not affect taxi vehicles, as they have other fittings on the roof.

“However, as the Uber vehicles are privately owned, drilling a hole in the roof devalues the vehicle.

“Uber drivers are being fined for having incorrect cameras, this needs to be addressed.”

Mr Saunders said rideshare drivers could not currently access taxi rank spaces, meaning they often had to park in poorly lit areas.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said he would consider sensible suggestions on ways to make the rideshare industry safer. Picture David Clark

“There should be marked spaces for both taxi drivers and rideshare drivers so that customers can be picked up and dropped off at a secure spot,” he wrote.

Mr Saunders said the Fraser Coast experienced taxi shortages and Uber was providing a vital service.

“This has created a need for more rideshare services, but they are stymied by regulations from the state and local government,” he said.

“They need to treated fairly.”

Mr Bailey said his office recently held a meeting with Uber and would continue to have an open dialogue with the rideshare industry about safety.

“I’m happy to consider sensible suggestions on ways to make the rideshare and taxi industry safer for both users and drivers,” he said.

“I’ll have my department review these suggestions and see if there is a case to add them to the existing operational framework.”

Originally published as Bruce Saunders pushes for safety measures after Uber driver Scott Cabrie’s death