New traffic plan considered for the MCG as taxi touts cause problems
Melbourne Airport has been flooded with complaints about dodgy drivers hassling newly-arrived travellers, fleecing them with expensive deals. Now sports fans have become the next target, with experts warning the situation is becoming “very dangerous”.
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Taxi touts are targeting sports fans outside the MCG, as stadium management considers a new plan to overhaul access for taxis and ride-share cars.
As the cricket season kicks off, the Sunday Herald Sun can reveal taxi and hire car operators — who are causing mayhem at Melbourne Airport — have also been offering rides to fans leaving the MCG.
It has fuelled calls for the state government to bring back the touting ban it scrapped last year.
Touters were spotted targeting football supporters during the finals on the congested Jolimont Tce, where legal taxi services also often park.
The Sunday Herald Sun understands City of Melbourne staff will meet with MCG management and Victoria Police to convey concerns raised about touting by Transport Matters MP Rod Barton.
He has already met with MCG bosses about the issue, and proposed a plan to improve access to the area by turning Jolimont Terrace into a one-way street during major events.
Taxis and ride-sharing cars could turn in from Wellington Parade, drop off their customers and exit on to Brunton Ave.
Mr Barton said the current situation — with touters milling around in the busy street — was “mayhem and very dangerous”.
The MP’s plan to ban touting will be voted on in parliament this month.
“These major events are perfect picking for touts — people want to get home or into the city quickly, so a cash ride seems a good option. But it’s a dangerous option,” Mr Barton said.
“Touting has become such a problem at the MCG and other major events around the city that event security has to take seriously the risk that some people may take advantage of the situation.”
A state government spokesman said: “No one should feel intimidated when they’re trying to get home from the MCG, which is why we’re working closely with Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria and industry to address touting.”
It is understood the government wants to ensure any new touting offence can be properly enforced.
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Melbourne Cricket Club venue and event services general manager Josh Eltringham said changes had already been made “for streamlined drop-off and pick-up at the MCG, especially for patrons with mobility issues”.
“We are currently reviewing the precinct’s traffic management process and working with stakeholders to explore improvement opportunities,” he said.
A council spokeswoman said it had not received complaints about touting at the MCG, and that pick-up and drop-off zones at the ground were a matter for stadium management.