Illegal ranks in Sandton frustrate residents

Sandton and Bryanston residents are complaining that these ranks disturb the peace within the suburbs and leave litter strewn on residential roads.

This is not the first time frustrated residents have complained about illegal ranks, with reporting done on the matter ‘Residents Troubled by Rank’, Sandton Chronicle week ending 8 May 2015.

Read Informal taxi ranks a problem in Sandton

One Bryanston resident voiced his frustration over the very same rank operating on William Nicol, saying the operators showed no respect for the suburb.

Ward 103 councillor Vincent Earp, confirmed that the rank in Bryanston was illegal and despite requests to the authorities, no action has been taken.

“No-one [had] agreed to the taxi rank; the only agreement ever made… was to allow a maximum of three taxis to be at the bus shelter at any one time to pick up or drop off commuters,” Earp said.

Earp also criticised the City of Johannesburg for their lack of action with regards to removing the taxis, adding that they turned a blind eye to the operators’ activities in the area.

Metro police spokesperson, Edna Mamonyane, refuted this, saying that the police do indeed act against illegal taxi ranks.

“The first step is to warn the taxi drivers to cease operating and should that fail, we charge and tow the taxi away,” she said.

“Most of these ranks are operating illegally because [often] there isn’t a rank for them so they just find a spot and use it.”

Mamonyane also confirmed that any rank operating on a suburban road is classified as illegal as ranks are only permitted in designated areas and based on a demand from residents.

Her words were echoed by Virgil James, spokesperson for the City, who explained that taxi ranks are only permitted off residential streets.

“Normally the rank(s) are off-street and only laybys are provided on-street and this only allows for dropping off and picking-up, and not for ranking. The motivating factor would be the number of people in the area who want to [use] the transport,” he explained.

He added that only the City could determine where a rank should be established and this is done in consultation with residents.

James concluded that should a rank be found to be operating illegally, the Metro police will then proceed to close the rank.

Details: To report an illegal taxi rank, contact the Metro police on 011 375 5911.

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Also read Illegal taxi rank continues to flourish in Paulshof