Backpackers concerned about difficulties with dishonest taxi drivers in Queensland, Australia, could consider buying
gap year travel insurance.
The Courier-Mail reports that Rachel Nolan, Queensland transport minister, has set in motion plans to introduce a special hotline to deal with the rising number of complaints about taxi drivers in the region.
Recent problems have involved drivers charging inflated prices, driving erratically and one case where a driver tried to speed away with backpackers' baggage when a receipt was requested.
Ms Nolan told the paper: "I am advised that, to some extent, the recent issues with inexperienced drivers have come about because of the very buoyant labour market - a factor which has led to higher employment of overseas trained workers."
National training schemes for taxi drivers are already being considered, while taxi firm Yellow Cabs has fired 30 under-performing drivers in recent months.
Backpackers could buy
online travel insurance if they are concerned about safety on Queensland's roads.
The region offers access to the Great Barrier Reef, which is famous all around the world.
Going, going, gone. Downunder for
cheap travel insurance.