Touting and the advertising of commercial passenger vehicle services by non permit holders will become an offense by Christmas.

Transport Matters Party MP Rod Barton’s touting amendments to the Transport Legislation Bill were passed today, bringing his 10 month campaign to stop the unsafe practice to an end.

“This legislation and the penalties involved send a very strong message to the industry that touting is not acceptable behaviour and with fines of almost $10,000 for individuals and $50,000 for a body corporate it’s not a mistake touts are likely to make twice,” said Mr Barton.

Touting Offence Amendments to the Transport Legislation Amendment Bill 2019

My amendments to introduce touting legislation in Parliament today are supported by the Government and Opposition. Today we will end the practise of touting in Victoria. This Bill will receive royal assent on 3 December, and touting and advertising while not being a CPVV permit holder will become offences on 19 December.

The amendments also stop online advertising of cash-for-rides, which are a problem in regional areas where unregistered drivers offer rides through social media platforms such as closed Facebook Groups and Airtasker.

“Touting is an unintended consequence of the industry reform legislation of 2017 and ending this dangerous practice is a first step in fixing a badly broken taxi and hire car industry.

“These amendments return some fairness to the systems in place for the public to book and procure taxi, hire car and rideshare services – ensuring no operators can “jump the queue” – and go towards providing protections for passengers that they are travelling with properly accredited, insured and safe service providers,” he said.

Mr Barton said he was very proud to present these amendments today, with the Government and Oppositions support.

“I note that ending touting is one of the recommendations from the recent CPV Reforms inquiry and it gives me great pleasure to be “getting on with the job” of introducing the first of those recommendations this week, and I look forward to working with the Government to implement the other 12.”

ENDS

View the Commercial Passenger Vehicle Reforms Inquiry Report