WOLLONGONG cabbie Peter Coleman says it is time the taxi industry sued pubs, clubs and nightclubs for injuries and damages arising from drunken passengers.

In more than 30 years, Mr Coleman has been bashed, almost blinded by a young woman's fingernails, spat on and had countless fare evaders. His cab has been damaged by fists, feet, bottles and even coins.

"Cages in the car won't fully protect us and as far as cameras go, all they do is provide police with a nice picture of the person who injures or kills the poor driver," Mr Coleman said.

He spoke out as an individual owner in response to the recent bashing of Wollongong cabbie Farouk Elmoubayed.

"There is always predictable public outrage - and then nothing, until it happens again," Mr Coleman said.