Queensland taxi, rideshare drivers issued hundreds of fines for incorrect parking, signage

More than 600 fines have been given to Queensland taxi and rideshare drivers found to be operating in violation of industry guidelines. Key points: Queensland authorities have issued 613 fines to taxi and rideshare drivers for improper behaviour in just under two months Illegal activities targeted were price gouging, turning off meters and refusing short fares The matter became widespread last year Transport Minister Mark Bailey told ABC Radio Brisbane Mornings host Rebecca Levingston the enforcement blitz started in December and focused heavily around rides ordered and taken in Brisbane and the Gold Coast on and about December 31. Fines were issued for 31 different offences from December 2 to January 15, of varying amounts starting at $575, and included: Failure to display a compliant booked hire sign — 179 fines Unauthorised vehicle stopping in a bus zone — 130 fines Stop in taxi zone while providing a booked hire service — 57 fines Driver failure to carry their driver authorisation – 57 fines Stop contrary to continuous yellow edge line – 67 fines Other serious offences for which penalties were issued included driving an unregistered or defective vehicle, driving a vehicle with an unapproved security camera system, failure to ensure a security camera system is fitted and operational, or failing to display a security camera system sign. "Now, there are many more fines going to rideshare drivers for things like stopping in taxi zones and not having appropriate signage on their cars. Mr Bailey responded to reports in early November, of taxi and rideshare drivers demanding inflated cash fares without metres or apps at peak times by promising to stamp out the illegal practices.