This week, the Point to Point Transport Commissioner successfully prosecuted taxi driver John Toss, who was found guilty of multiple offences, fined $9,900 and banned from driving any taxi or rideshare vehicle.
The court heard Mr Toss had committed multiple offences between March and May 2024. The Commissioner cancelled his taxi licence and began a prosecution in the courts.
These offences included overcharging, fare refusal, offensive driver behaviour, and providing a taxi service without a taxi licence.
In giving their reasons, the court commented that Mr Toss had no regard for the legislation and that his actions directly and seriously undermined the objects of the legislation in relation to public safety and the prevention of price gouging.
The hefty fine highlights the seriousness of the defendant’s offences. The Commissioner commented “this court outcome sends a clear message - if drivers do the wrong thing, they risk a hefty fine or being kicked out of the industry all together”
The Commissioner’s Authorised Officers have issued more than 1,000 fines to rogue drivers for fare-related offences such as refusing to use the meter or overcharging.