QR Codes mandatory for CPVs

The Victorian Government has identified commercial passenger vehicles as high-risk environments for the spread of COVID-19. The government's free QR Code service has a version specific for commercial passenger vehicles, and can be downloaded from – https://busreg.covid19.dhhs.vic. gov.au/vehicles/s/login/SelfRegister or scan the QR code shown to the left.

Owners of commercial passenger vehicles (CPVs) must now provide a digital record-keeping system, such as a QR code, which records:
• passenger’s first name
​• phone number
• date and time the passenger used the service
• registration number of the vehicle.
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​In addition, owners are required by Department of Health to keep records of payroll and trip data.

Owners should work with drivers to ensure customers are encouraged to check in when using their service.

The information collected via this QR code is only accessed by Department of Health contact tracers in the event of a confirmed case being identified at a venue or in a vehicle.

Where should vehicle owners display the QR code?

The QR code needs to be displayed inside the vehicle where it is easily accessible and visible to passengers (eg. on the back of a seat). The QR code will last longer and be easier to clean if it is laminated.

CPV owners have until 27 March 2021 to ensure a digital record keeping system, such as a QR Code, is available in their vehicle.

What other records are vehicle owners required to keep?

If you are:
• an owner driver, including if you lease the vehicle
• a vehicle owner who engages drivers to provide CPV services using your vehicle/s
• a BSP who owns vehicles used to provide CPV services you must keep records to demonstrate compliance with the Directions.

For example:-
• copies of cleaning records and booked CPV service trip data
• trip data about any unbooked services your vehicle provides.

What if a passenger doesn’t want to scan the QR code?

Drivers are not responsible for making sure passengers use the QR code, but drivers can refuse a trip if passengers choose not to use the digital record system.

Penalties of up to $1652 for individuals and $9913 for businesses can be issued if owners are not following the rules.

More in our March 2021 issue here.