Behave, or else, taxi drivers warned

TAXI drivers need to start respecting other motorists, pedestrians and cyclists, says Gauteng MEC for Transport Ismail Vadi.

He said the lawlessness displayed by taxi drivers during Monday’s strike, and in general, was unacceptable.

“They want free rein of the streets, but this won’t happen. Although we accept that 55 percent of the workforce is transported by taxis and we acknowledge they play a vital role… their intolerance towards other road users is unacceptable,” he said.

“We are taking a strong stand on this. They have to adhere to the rules, which apply to everyone.”

Vadi cited taxi drivers driving in lanes demarcated for cyclist and pedestrians along William Nicol Drive as an example.

“They want a regime of lawlessness and to be able to do what they want,” he said.

Traffic officials, including the Joburg metro police department and the Gauteng provincial traffic authorities, have toughened up and started impounding unroadworthy and unlicensed taxis.

On Monday, the United Taxi Associations Front blocked the M1 and M2, bringing rush-hour traffic to a standstill. Drivers marched through the city centre to hand over a memorandum to the Department of Transport.

One of their grievances was how long it took to get operating permits. They said metro police impounded taxis without permits despite proof of an application of renewal. Taxi drivers were also demanding to use Rea Vaya bus lanes.

Vadi said 1 200 taxi renewal permits were pending since April. Renewals need to be done every seven years.

“We admit it is not fair for legitimate operators to wait so long, but if they wait until the last minute to renew their operating licences, they automatically get taken off the system and can only be reactivated by the national department. This is what is causing the delays,” he said.

Vadi said that just because someone bought a taxi didn’t mean they would be given a permit. “It is not a God-given right – the issuing of permits is based on transport studies. Metros and municipalities are consulted on all applications, and if they feel the route is overtraded, permits will not be granted.”

Vadi said taxis using Rea Vaya lanes would defeat the objective of the rapid transit route, which allowed buses to travel faster and unhindered.