Harsh punishment needed for taxis

Joe Maswanganyi, our transport minister, has rightfully expressed shock at the recent taxi tragedy where young lives were lost because of one reckless driver.

There are millions of South Africans who have experienced the selfish, reckless, bullying, dangerous and unlawful behaviour of minibus taxi drivers on our roads.

The carnage will continue until the following is enforced by our authorities:

Taxis are limited/governed to 80km/h;

Taxi drivers caught performing dangerous acts on our roads have their taxis impounded immediately and public transport licences suspended for a year;

Taxis flying down “yellow lanes” to avoid traffic jams and congestion are impounded; A taxi driver caught using his cellphone while commuting passengers is taken off the road; A taxi driver obstructing traffic while loading and offloading passengers is taken off the road immediately; Speeding taxis are impounded immediately; Unroadworthy taxis are impounded; and Taxis driving through red traffic lights are impounded.

Take note that all offences result in taxis being impounded. This will eliminate the opportunity for bribery with officials.

Offending taxi drivers are compelled to attend a driver rehabilitation and safety course.

Lastly, all taxi drivers, before being allowed onto the road, are sent on a course teaching them that all road users are equal, taxis do not have the right of way and the understanding of courtesy.

Derek Krummeck,

Umhlanga

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