A compliance blitz will target taxis and rideshare vehicles operating around this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix, with state authorities deploying 25 officers to patrol key pick-up and drop-off zones.
Safe Transport Victoria will lead the four-day operation, bringing together compliance, investigations and assurance staff in a coordinated effort aimed at deterring fare-related misconduct and unlicensed activity during one of Victoria’s largest annual events.
Officers will check that taxi meters are running for unbooked fares, that drivers and vehicles are properly accredited, and that cars are registered and roadworthy. They will also ensure commercial passenger vehicles are displaying newly mandated QR codes, introduced on 1 March, which allow passengers to access information about their rights and lodge complaints directly.
The use of taxi meters for rank and hail services has been compulsory since 2023. Under the state’s current regulations, drivers who commit fare-related offences twice within a 10-year period face losing their accreditation under a “two strikes” rule. Authorities will also be monitoring for illegal touting, a practice banned in Victoria since 2019.
Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said major events such as the Grand Prix attract significant crowds and require a visible enforcement presence to maintain standards. While most drivers comply with the rules, she said the taskforce would focus on identifying those who do not and ensuring passengers understand their rights.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said the Grand Prix was a key event on Victoria’s calendar and visitors should feel confident about their transport options throughout the weekend.
In addition to enforcement officers, education teams will be stationed around the precinct to provide information to racegoers about safe travel options. Authorities are advising patrons to use designated taxi ranks, pre-booked services or public transport, and to decline unsolicited offers of rides.
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