Stakeholders and taxi associations talk about road safety
Members found breaking rules of the road face their disciplinary committee.
The NEWS questioned what is being done to ensure taxi drivers adhere to the rules of the road after two taxis collided on Modderfontein Road, near Founders Hill. Fourteen people sustained minor to moderate injuries in the collision late last year.
Oscar Mtshali, chairperson of Lethabong Taxi Association, said they are governed by constitutional laws to ensure taxis are roadworthy and drivers adhere to the rules of the road.
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“We have inspectors who check if our taxis are roadworthy. They also monitor our routes and determine whether drivers respect the rules of the road.”
Mtshali said members found breaking rules face the association’s disciplinary committee (DC).
“The DC punishes members for road violations with suspension or ultimately banning members. Constitutional and regional training is also provided for members to follow the rules of the road.”
When passengers are injured in Lethabong taxis, Mtshali said the association visits their passengers in hospitals and their homes to monitor their well-being.
“We always ensure our passengers are transported comfortably.”
JMPD spokesperson chief superintendent Wayne Minnaar explained the standard procedure when there is a serious injury in a collision.
“A docket of reckless and negligent driving gets opened in such a collision. The driver who caused the accident then has to appear in court.”
According to the spokesperson, JMPD officers give dozens of fines to taxi drivers for traffic offences.
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