Passengers urged to report dodgy driver behaviour to the Victorian Taxi Directorate

A crackdown has been announced on drivers who don’t switch on their meter, with passengers urged to take this one step to avoid getting gouged.

The state government is working with Australian Open officials to have marshalls patrol ranks outside Melbourne Park on the look out for dodgy drivers. Picture: Ian Currie

Sports fans have been urged to dob in dodgy taxi operators trying to rip off passengers travelling to and from the Australian Open.

A crackdown was on Sunday announced on taxi and ride share drivers charging illegal high prices at Melbourne Park.

It comes after passengers complained of widespread price gouging by drivers who refused to turn on their meters and demanded up to $100 to travel between the tennis and CBD.

Acting Premier Ben Carroll advised anyone turned away from a cab or asked to pay sky-high prices to report the driver to the Victorian Taxi Directorate.

Passengers have complained of widespread price gouging by drivers who refuse to turn on their meters. Picture: Ian Currie

“If you are catching a taxi – it is the law now that you must switch the meter on,’’ he said.

“And I urge anyone that if a taxi driver doesn’t switch their meter on to get their registration and please dob them in and we will take action.’’

He said the government was working with Open officials to have marshalls patrol ranks outside Melbourne Park on the look out for dodgy drivers.

“We will ensure we have regular visits by inspectors and that everyone does the right thing,’’ he said.

“This is a very important precinct that relies heavily on vehicle transportation and we are wanting to ensure we keep working around the clock and that our taxi and hire car industry, our Ubers are all doing the right thing.’’

Complaints have previously been common from Olympic Boulevard and Crown casino taxi stands.

“There have been some smaller, rogue independents that are doing the wrong thing,’’ Mr Carroll said.

“We are asking anyone that doesn’t experience value for money – particularly if the taxi driver refuses to switch their meter on – to please take down their registration and report them.’’