Traffic cops catch up with taxi driver facing R41 500 in fines

A PORT Elizabeth taxi driver found himself in hot water while also hot-footing it yesterday after he tried to dodge traffic officials – and more than 20 warrants for traffic violations.

In little more than a year, Shaun Hudsonberg, 31, had managed to accumulate 22 warrants, totalling R31 000.

He also faces charges of being in contempt of court, which will require him to cough up a further R10 500.

Mayoral committee member in charge of safety and security John Best said yesterday traffic officials were conducting a roadblock in Govan Mbeki Avenue at lunchtime, specifically to check for motorists with outstanding warrants of arrest against them.

“They stopped a taxi driver outside the Lillian Diedericks building, and the driver abandoned the taxi and attempted to flee on foot,” Best said.

The driver ran down a side street into Evatt Street, with traffic officers hot on his heels.

“He then turned back towards Govan Mbeki Avenue, where he jumped into another taxi in an attempt to escape.

“However, the officers managed to stop the taxi and arrested Hudsonberg.”

They found he had 22 outstanding warrants against him.

He was taken to the Traffic Department in Sidwell Road, where he appeared in the municipal court.

According to the prosecutor in the case, who asked not to be named, Hudsonberg faces charges that include obstructing the road, ignoring a red traffic light and overloading, among others.

Some of his fines date back to early last year.

“He also faces a charge of being in contempt of court for every time he failed to appear in court,” the prosecutor said.

Hudsonberg was released after paying bail of R2 000.

The prosecutor said it was rare these days for a taxi driver to accumulate so many fines before being brought to book.

“In the past, this was common. Guys would sometimes appear with fines worth R70 000 or R80 000 and warrants against them,” she said.

“However, in recent years, we have become much stricter when enforcing warrants and fines against taxi drivers.”

Hudsonberg was given until October 25 to pay the fines, but a case can be made to extend that deadline should he prove his willingness to pay.

“We set this date provisionally,” the prosecutor said.

“If by then he has not paid anything, he could face jail time.

“But if he starts making regular payments before October 25, proving he is willing to pay his fines, the date could be moved back a bit.” He also keeps his licence. Best commended the officers for their vigilance in carrying out the arrest and hoped this would serve as a warning to all motorists in the metro.

“We will intensify these operations and appeal to motorists to pay their traffic fines and check for any outstanding warrants against them.”

If by then he has not paid anything, he could face jail time