Taxi fare dodgers to face criminal charges in future

6/3/97

Taxi fare dodgers will face criminal prosecution charges in future.

Transport Minister Eric Charlton today announced that a joint approach on the issue had been agreed to following recent talks between himself, Attorney General Peter Foss and Police Minister John Day.

"We are concerned about the issue of fare evasion and the community perception that fare dodging is not a criminal offence," Mr Charlton said.

"That misconception has now been cleared up. Wilful fare evasion is a criminal offence. It carries a maximum penalty of seven years under the fraud provisions."

Mr Foss confirmed that deliberate fare evasion was a criminal offence.

"I have discussed the matter with the Director of Public Prosecutions and he has confirmed that fare evasion is a criminal offence," he said.

"The DPP has undertaken to conduct any prosecutions."

Police Minister Day said that he had had discussions with police and they had confirmed they would be charging fare dodgers in future.

Mr Charlton again encouraged taxi drivers to ask for the prepayment of fares.

"The public should not be offended if they are asked to pay some of the taxi fare up front," he said.

"After all, bus, train and ferry fares are all paid in advance.

"Camera surveillance will soon be installed in Perth's taxis and this will help identify fare dodgers."

Media contact: Sally Squires 321 7333