Taxi parking structure sparks outrage in Paulshof
Councillor Vino Reddy, Ward 93, condemns the Department of Transports unilateral decision to allow a taxi association to build a parking structure in Paulshof without public consultation or adherence to city by-laws.
The Department of Transport’s unilateral decision to allegedly allow a taxi association to build a parking structure on Sanral property has rubbed councillor Vino Reddy, of Ward 93, up the wrong way, along with the residents in Paulshof.
This move, according to Reddy, does not only disregard city by-laws but also lacks proper public consultation and participation.
Read more: Taxi Association proposes a solution to parking issues in Fourways
He said the parking structure at the intersection of Cambridge and Witkoppen Roads, erected between December 2022 and January 2023, has transformed an informal holding area into a full-fledged taxi rank, drawing in more taxis and vendors.
Reddy understands the need for taxi facilities in the area, “but we are law abiding citizens who pay our rates and taxes and we deserve to live in a safe neighbourhood, with facilities that are condoned and planned and fit for usage and purpose.
“The increased foot and vehicle traffic on the site has seen a significant increase in smash-and-grab incidents at the intersection. The security Clearview fence was removed so that taxi drivers can get better access to Cambridge Rd. This fence was installed by the Paulshof Ratepayers Association to prevent smash-and-grabs, for which the area was notorious. It has once again become unsafe.”
Also read: Taxi Association proposes a solution to parking issues in Fourways
He said the establishment of this, ‘parking structure’, has adversely changed the profile of the area. Previously, it was an informal holding area with few taxis, but the subsequent ‘recognition’ of it from the city’s Department of Transport (DoT) has given rise to an informal taxi rank.
“The field has been burnt and trees, which actually provide shade, were cut down. Had these trees prevailed there’d be no need for the parking structure. The site is unzoned, has no ablution facilities, running water, waste water traps, or food preparation facilities for supply or disposal of waste, yet the taxis and vendors are allowed to be there.”
Reddy has requested a meeting with all respondents, including the relevant taxi associations, as a follow up to the initial meeting that was held in March last year, to find an equitable way forward, as well as the immediate restoration, or replacement, of the ClearView Fence, with the same by DoT or the taxi association.
“The city ( DoT) has shown that we can all act unilaterally, which is a bad precedent to set. I call for the re-establishment of the rule of law and for us to abide by the city’s by-laws failing which, anarchy prevails.”
When contacted for comment, Pierre Nel, from the city, said he has directed our query to the relevant depot and would revert with information. None was received at the time we went to print.
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