Bathurst magistrate Michael Allen this week launched a stinging attack on thugs who do just that, saying taxi drivers are far too often the helpless victims in his court.

Taxi drivers, like police and other emergency services personnel, are often dealing with people who are not at their best.

Inevitably, when attacks on drivers occur they are late at night and the offender has had a skinful of grog.

Frustrated and drunk, they might lash out and do – and say – things they would never do while sober.

But that is no excuse.

The big difference between attacks on taxi drivers and attacks on police is that the nature of a driver’s job means they are always vulnerable.

A driver works alone and readily invites up to four people into a confined space with them.

A driver is not armed and is helpless if a situation turns nasty.

And, as Mr Allen points out, taxi drivers are not highly paid for the work they do. They are simply trying to make ends meet for their families.

They should not have to put up with drunken abuse and assault, and society should not stand for it.

Mr Allen is to be applauded for his hard line on these assaults and everyone who enters a cab should be reminded of their responsibilities.

The world might be changing around us, but some things should never go out of fashion.

Common decency is one of them.