Uber has thumbed its nose at legislation designed to crack down on ride-sharing services in Queensland.
Even though a push by Katter's Australian Party for demerit point penalties for Uber drivers failed, a bill passed this week ensures increased enforcement can begin to stop the US-based company flouting the law.
But Uber has insisted drivers won't pay increased fines, which went up from $1413 to $2356 as part of the crackdown.
Similar companies could also be penalised up to $23,560 and transport inspectors were given greater powers to investigate people suspected of operating an illegal taxi.
Uber public policy director Brad Kitschke on Thursday described the law as "old and outdated" and said it was difficult to be sure ride-sharing participants were committing an offence.
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The company also installed a pop-up message within its app prompting customers to email their MP about the changes and even provided a template letter of complaint.
