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Queensland Uber drivers cop $786k in fines

Uber is urging Queenslanders to "fine" the premier as part of a campaign hitting back at a crackdown that's left its drivers facing nearly $800,000 fines.

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Amobile phone user looks at a logo of taxi-hailing app Uber on his smartphone. (AAP) Source: AAP

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Source: AAP


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Uber has launched a campaign urging Queenslanders to "fine" the premier for punishing drivers of the ride-sharing service who face nearly $800,000 in penalties.

The company is running advertisements featuring a link to a website which enables the public to create infringement notices addressed to Annastacia Palaszczuk for "fining people for providing safe, reliable and affordable rides".

Uber drivers have been slapped with $786,405 in fines since laws cracking down on illegal taxi services came into force a month ago.

The laws increased fines for drivers from $1413 to $2356, while transport inspectors were also given greater power to investigate people suspected of operating an illegal taxi.

Uber Queensland general manager Sam Bool said the company's campaign gave Queenslanders the opportunity to tell Ms Palaszczuk why her government should respect their right to chose how to get from A to B.

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"It's time for the government to listen to the people of Queensland, by embracing ride sharing and the people it supports," Mr Bool said.

A transport department spokesman said there 370 infringement notices had been issued, including 331 fines for using a vehicle that was not a taxi, since the new laws came into force.

Another 28 fines had been issued for defective vehicles, some of which had bald tyres and inoperative headlights, he said.

Uber said 61 of its Queensland drivers would challenge fines with the transport department on Friday.

An independent review of the government's taxi strategic plan will recommend what role, if any, new ride-sharing apps like Uber will play in Queensland's public transport.

It was due to be handed down in August but Ms Palaszczuk wants it completed by July.


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