Reckless driving of taxi drivers in the area should stop, says Annette Deppe
FOURWAYS – Read what Ward 132 councillor, Annette Deppe had to say about the driving of taxi drivers in the area.
The reckless behaviour of taxi drivers in the area is on the rise and Ward 132 councillor, Annette Deppe urged all motorists to observe and adhere to the rules of the road.
Deppe was contacted by a disgruntled community member who shared her frustrations about the reckless driving of taxi drivers in the area.
The councillor said the community member, who wished to remain anonymous, said she had photographic evidence and the licence plate number and thought law enforcement agencies should proceed with corrective measures against the taxi driver. The community member believed the taxi driver broke the road rules at the intersection of Jamie Uys and Anton Hartman streets in Midrand.
Deppe explained that the community member said they used to post pictures for years on the reckless driving of taxi drivers in the area on social platform groups.
“They were then told that they needed the name of the taxi association which was taken from the sticker at the back of each taxi which commutes on the roads,” Deppe said.
Deppe said it was not only the taxi drivers who were driving recklessly in the area but also community members, with some driving towards oncoming traffic towards Harry Galaun Street.
“If motorists are witnessed not observing the rules of the road, law enforcement agencies should enforce the law. It is different for taxis as they must be reported to the taxi association and not law enforcement.
“The traffic department takes taxi driver licences and asks for bribes to give them back which is why many taxis do not keep the original licences in the car. Second to that I am told many have applied and the province has not issued them. So taxi owners have been waiting for months for their licences.”
Deppe recommended that Metro police spokesperson, Superintendent Wayne Minnaar should be available if community members should contact him for inquiries.
According to Minnaar, residents are urged to contact the director of Metro police operations, Stephen Mosimane, if they witness such acts on the roads.
Minnaar said, “We urge community members to report the matter by e-mailing the director on stevem@joburg.org.za. That way the matter can be dealt with.
“Taxi drivers or motorists found guilty of driving on a pedestrian sidewalk will receive a R500 fine; and if caught driving on the wrong side of the road, as well as driving across a dividing strip or over a traffic island, motorists will receive a R1 000 fine, this also applies to taxi drivers.”
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