Residents fume as Fourways streets become parking lot
For months residents of Fourways have been pleading for action as taxis park illegally, clog streets, and pose a safety risk.
Residents of Fourways are growing increasingly frustrated by the persistent issue of poorly parked taxis, exacerbated by the rapid emergence of an informal taxi rank between Fourways Mall and Fourways Crossing.
Read more: Taxi Association proposes a solution to parking issues in Fourways
For over two months, the local community has been raising their voices against the disruptive parking habits and lack of organisation among taxi operators, which have become a daily nuisance and safety concern. Despite previous complaints submitted to the taxi association and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), no significant action has been taken by city officials.
Motorists attempting to navigate through the congested streets are faced with the challenges of weaving around taxis that block lanes and obstruct traffic flow. This chaotic situation creates traffic jams during peak hours, causing delays and leading to increased frustration among motorists and pedestrians.
Residents report that the informal taxi rank has turned a functional area into a chaotic parking lot, further complicating the already congested roadways. “It’s like a free-for-all out here. Taxis are parked wherever they please, and it’s making it nearly impossible to drive in and out of the area safely.” said one frustrated resident.
Also read: Residents are fed up with taxi drivers poor parking in Fourways
In a statement regarding the situation, JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said, “Following consultation, it’s been confirmed that the City’s Department of Transport oversees the regulation of both formal and informal taxi ranks within the city, while JMPD continues to address traffic management, by-law enforcement, and crime prevention issues throughout Region A.”
The Alexandra Taxi Association’s Fourways committee spokesperson, Mbuzeni Maxwell Mhlongo, acknowledged the concerns and mentioned that the association has taken steps to mitigate the issue. “We have placed someone to control traffic by the traffic lights of Roos Street and Fourways Boulevard, and we will now try to control the situation further by not allowing taxis to make U-turns at the lights or to take and offload passengers right at the traffic signals.”
Mhlongo also emphasised that they are not the only taxi association operating in Fourways. “We will continue to solve the issue and work collaboratively with other associations to create a better environment for everyone.”
Fourways Review is still in contact with other taxi associations operating in Fourways and the City’s Department of Transport regarding this issue and will provide an update once more information becomes available.
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