NEW YORK, USA from wheels24 (01/04/13)—
“All New York taxi drivers have been told to watch a sex-trafficking awareness presentation to help them avoid promoting prostitution, a crime in New York that carries hefty jail terms and fines.
The nine-minute video claims some drivers have used their cabs as “brothels on wheels” and driven prostitutes from client to client, sometimes taking a cut of their earnings from their pimp.
Sex-trafficking and promoting prostitution is punishable by up to 25 years in jail and the equivalent of a R250 000 fine in New York, the video says.
Taxi drivers can also lose their taxi license if convicted and face an additional penalty of up to R84 000.
The NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission has made the film mandatory for all drivers who apply for or seek to renew their license.
Commissioner David Yassky said the aim was to ensure “taxi drivers don’t become part of criminal activity” while ensuring they don’t profile or discriminate against any passengers.
Watch the presentation taxi drivers are expected to watch here.To read more please click here.
HUMAN RIGHTS SOCIETY 