Gosford Driver Prosecuted For Providing Unauthorised Point to Point Transport Service

Published

The Point to Point Transport Commissioner has prosecuted the first unauthorised booking service provider under section 27(1) of the Point to Point Transport (Taxis and Hire Vehicles) Act 2016 (the Act).

A driver who was detected providing an unauthorised booking service in the Central Coast area, pleaded guilty to the offence in Gosford Local Court on Wednesday 4 November 2020.

Point to Point Transport Commissioner, Anthony Wing said, “Under point to point transport law, it is a requirement that all service providers are authorised. To become authorised a person must meet certain general standards, comply with safety duties and standards, pay authorisation fees and be registered as a tax payer for the passenger service levy.”

“The Court recognised the safety risks involved with providing an unauthorised booking service, especially with regards to vulnerable members of the community who need the protection of the regulatory scheme”, Mr Wing said.

Given the need for general deterrence of this type of conduct, the Magistrate convicted the provider, imposed a fine and ordered to pay the fine of $500 as well as the payment of legal costs of $550.

The maximum penalty which can be imposed for the provision of an unauthorised service by the Local Court is $50,000.00.

“Safety is our top priority and we work to ensure both passengers and drivers have a positive experience when riding or driving. The use of a vehicle through an unauthorised booking service undermines the safety of passengers and the driver.

Deterrence of illegal behaviour and unauthorised activity is a focus of mine in my 2020/21 annual strategic priorities.”

For more information on service provider obligations, visit the Point to Point Transport Commissioner’s website https://www.pointtopoint.nsw.gov.au

 

MEDIA CONTACTS
Emma Barber  – Point to Point Transport Commission
Emma.barber2@transport.nsw.gov.au
0439810795