NEW HANDLING OF INFRINGEMENT FINES
The Victorian Government will soon be introducing new legislation to govern the collection and management of infringement fines. The new laws are aimed at creating a fairer and more efficient process to manage payment of fines and deal with those who seek to evade compliance.
The new legislation will create the position of ‘Director of Fines Victoria’ and some of the key changes include:
• simpler and shorter timelines and notifications for collection and enforcement
• a focus on the total amount owed by individuals, rather than on the separate debts for each fine or infringement
• the ability to pay debts by instalments
• earlier intervention when individuals accumulate multiple fines or large debts
• options for people to clear their debts through community service when they can’t pay upfront or by instalments.
Recently, the TSC presented an overview on the role of the industry regulator, related taxi matters and taxi camera download procedures to members of Victoria Police from the Doncaster Station. A similar presentation was also undertaken for members of Victoria Police’s Sexual Crimes Unit. Both presentations received positive feedback for the useful information they provided.
Did you know that the Taxi Inspection Centre (TIC) conducts free taxi safety camera checks < http://www.taxi.vic.gov.au/drivers/taxi-drivers/driver-safety/safety-cameras-in-taxis>? Please note that the TIC is now located at 10 Mareno Road, Tullamarine.
Taxi inspections in regional towns
In late March 2014, the TSC conducted inspections in over 79 regional and country towns. Taxi booking companies (formerly network service providers) in these towns were advised beforehand of the inspections, allowing them time to ensure vehicles were in a clean and safe condition.
Overall the TSC conducted 318 inspections over a two-week period and is pleased to report that the taxis in country zones have received the highest median Taxi Quality Rating (TQR) in Victoria:
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*Ratings range between 1 and 7, where 1 = highest quality taxis and 7 = poorest quality taxis.
The TSC would like to congratulate all permit holders (formerly operators) on the conditions of your taxis and encourage you to keep up the good work. Please report any issues you may have directly to the TSC <[email protected]>—the more information we have, the better placed we will be to shape future operations.
During the regional visits, the most common defects were taxis being overdue for their annual inspections. While the TSC no longer issues permit holders a reminder notice when a vehicle is approaching the due date for its next inspection, the requirement to have a vehicle inspected, and to display a current inspection label (where applicable), remains unchanged.
TSC PRESENTATIONS TO VICTORIAN POLICE ON TAXI CAMERA DOWNLOADS
All taxis in the metropolitan and urban taxi zones must be fitted with an operational taxi safety camera approved by the TSC. The TSC receives about 800 requests per year to perform downloads of footage from taxi safety cameras, to assist with police investigations. The TSC is the only agency who can download footage from taxi safety cameras on behalf of Victoria Police.
Recently, the TSC presented an overview on the role of the industry regulator, related taxi matters and taxi camera download procedures to members of Victoria Police from the Doncaster Station. A similar presentation was also undertaken for members of Victoria Police’s Sexual Crimes Unit. Both presentations received positive feedback for the useful information they provided.
Did you know that the Taxi Inspection Centre (TIC) conducts free taxi safety camera checks Please note that the TIC is now located at 10 Mareno Road, Tullamarine.
22 INDUSTRY NEWS
The Director of Fines Victoria will have broad powers to apply sanctions to people who choose to ignore their outstanding fines and allow them to become warrants. Among those powers will be the ability to suspend driver licences and motor vehicle registrations.