Passengers at Melbourne Airport are at risk of being fleeced by dodgy taxi operators

In scenes similar to airports in Rio or Rome, customers at Melbourne Airport are now being bombarded by dodgy taxi drivers spruiking deals as they wait to collect their baggage. Here’s how you can avoid being ripped off.

Passengers at Melbourne Airport are at risk of being fleeced by dodgy taxi and hire car operators thanks to the return of touting at terminals.

In scenes similar to airports in Rio or Rome, customers are now being bombarded by touters spruiking deals as they wait to collect their baggage.

MELBOURNE AIRPORT NEEDS ‘VITAL’ FIX FOR DELAYS

IS YOUR FAVOURITE AIRPORT RESTAURANT SET TO DEPART?

THIS CHANGE WILL SPEED UP YOUR AIRPORT JOURNEY

They are then directed towards smaller or underground operators who often charge exorbitant fares or are uncredited instead of legitimate companies waiting in the rank.

In some instances they have also been spotted using fake identification to fool travellers into thinking they are airport employees.

Touting was banned at the airport through tough new laws in 2008 but these restrictions were removed last year when the Andrews Government deregulated the taxi and hire car industry.

Major operators have told staff not to participate in the practice but some drivers fear they are missing out on fares.

Passengers at Melbourne Airport are at risk of being fleeced by dodgy taxi and hire car operators thanks to the return of touting at terminals.

13 CABS Melbourne general manager Greg Hardeman said it was a significant safety issue that needed to be addressed.

“Touting has always been an issue at Melbourne Airport but never to this extent,” he said.

“There’s no way to know if the driver who approaches you is accredited, has the right background checks and is safe.

“That's why Melbourne Airport has signage telling passengers not to take a trip in these vehicles.

“It is impacting on those that do the right thing at the rank.”

Melbourne Airport’s chief of parking and ground access, Lorie Argus, said the airport did not endorse touting and recognised the impact it had on travellers.

“Unfortunately, touting has increased since legislation changed in July 2018 and Melbourne Airport is working in collaboration with government, Victoria Police and relevant stakeholders to implement measures to reduce the behaviour,” she said.

In some instances they have also been spotted using fake identification to fool travellers into thinking they are airport employees.

“To manage the issue, staff regularly conduct patrols of the terminals and drivers that are identified as touting can have their commercial vehicle access suspended.”

Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria CEO Aaron de Rozario said they were working with Melbourne Airport to understand the impact of touting.

“We strongly encourage locals and visitors to always use recognised, branded services when departing Melbourne Airport,” he said.

“The safety of commercial vehicle passengers in Victoria is of the utmost importance, and we will continue to work with industry to ensure every Victorian has the right to feel safe while travelling.”