The altercation at the Camp St taxi stand on November 19 last year which led to the death of Queenstown man Mark Smith has prompted Queenstown police to look into ways to minimise safety risks at places in central Queenstown where people gather at night.
Constable Aaron Redaelli has been researching the matter, looking specifically at reported incidents and charges after night-time incidents at the taxi stands on Shotover and Camp Sts.
"I have been looking for any patterns in behaviour or in the kind of reported assaults."
"The taxi stands are focal points when people are on their way home from town in the evening.
But while there are always arguments over taxis, and it often lead to minor squabbles, it is actually rare that it leads to police callouts.
There are relatively few arrests for disorderly behaviour or assault following such situations," Const Redaelli said.
Though few assault charges have been laid, police were taking security and crime prevention seriously, and had been looking at initiatives to minimise violence at the taxi stands, he said.
While his report was not finished yet, Const Redaelli told Queenstown Times his recommendation was clear.
"I think security CCTV cameras will be the best and cheapest option for crime prevention at central locations, along with better lighting and signage," he said.
Another option might be a queuing system with permanent or temporary railings, but Const Redaelli pointed out it only formed a waiting line, without actually separating people.
Manned taxi stands might also be an option worth considering.
"Both of those two options would require more substantial resources and would have to go through the council process."
"The community guides do a great job, but they cannot be everywhere at once. The same goes for the police. In the end, it comes down to people's behaviour," Const Redaelli said.
Const Redaelli said he would deliver his report to his superior officers shortly, after which the report was expected to be presented to the council, taxi operators and other interested parties for discussion.
