Touting – It's no laughing matter

A crackdown on touting is ongoing at Melbourne Airport, designed to deter offenders from this activity which has been illegal in Victoria since 2019.

Touting and the advertising of commercial passenger vehicle services by non permit holders is an offence.
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Anyone who approaches potential customers directly, or holds up a sign offering services, is breaking the law and can face fines of up to $10,000.

Online advertising of cash-for-rides, where unregistered drivers offer rides through social media platforms such as Facebook Groups and Airtasker, is also deemed to be a form of touting and is illegal.

The offence of touting was re-introduced into the Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry Act as a direct response to touting amendments tabled to the Transport Legislation Bill in 2019 by Transport Matters Party Leader, Rod Barton MP.

“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.

Since the reopening of Victoria’s airports after many months of lockdown and border closures, it appears that touting has become rampant once again.

CPVV enforcement officers will be out in full force, ensuring CPV drivers and passengers are aware of touting laws and compliance.

In this joint operation with Melbourne Airport and the Australian Federal Police (AFP), CPVV enforcement officers will be monitoring and recording activities, as well as issuing fines.

More news in our May 2021 Edition here.