Authorities to address Fourways’ taxi problem
FOURWAYS – Public Safety MMC to intensify the level of operations around Fourways taxi issues, as stakeholders will be engaged in finding a solution.
With the corner of Roos Street and Fourways Boulevard turning into a new taxi rank spot, a number of residents and shoppers in the Fourways area have raised their concerns as taxis parked on the road cause traffic congestion during peak hours.
According to Ward 94 councillor David Foley, Fourways has attracted too many taxis. “I have escalated this matter to the MMC of Public Safety and Chief of Police and the relative commander for Region A and the regional director. We have too many taxis for stop-and-goes so there need to be some engagements about issuing of taxi licenses because we are overloaded with taxis and there’s no holding area so we need provincial government assistance to resolve this matter.”
Foley also confirmed that he has been in negotiations with the MMC for Public Safety, Michael Sun trying to resolve the matter.
“We are in negotiations, something needs to be done because unfortunately, this is impacting the traffic flow in various lanes coming in and out, also parking on the pavement which is a by-law infringement. I know that the MMC has instructed the guys to do what they have to do and we are just waiting for action from the JMPD.”
MMC for Public Safety in Gauteng, Michael Sun confirmed that they are aware of the issue. “We are aware of the problem and we’ve had several operations. What is very concerning is that we have a high level of disobedience of the rule of law and people are very aware that they’re contravening the law. As a motor vehicle license holder, you should know that you cannot just illegally park anywhere.
“One of the issues we are giving attention to is the illegal ranking of taxis in the area. Our traffic management and by-law operations will continue but we also want to continually engage with operators in the area to ensure that they understand they must not be part of the problem but rather choose to be part of the solution.”
When asked about his ongoing meetings with councillor David Foley, Sun said, “It’s a continuous engagement between him and I, in fact, I will be again meeting with him and our JMPD officials in Region A to see if we should intensify the levels of operation to make sure that we have the highest level degree of compliance in the area.”
Sun also explained that they as the government do not point fingers to any stakeholder in the area.
“We will also engage with all the other stakeholders such as Fourways Mall and other developments – I mean your big players. Everyone must be part of the solution and not say the government must resolve this on its own because that’s when we will hit a huge brick wall.”
Zoé van Onselen, head of marketing at Accelerate Property Fund (Fourways Mall management company), also weighed in on the matter, “Fourways Mall management is aware of the increasing taxi presence around the center. The team has regular meetings with the relevant taxi associations to control the ‘park offs’ in the area, as well as consulting with the local JMPD to assist with controlling the situation.
“The mall has created and developed a new taxi terminal for commuters in the area, however, this is not a holding area for the taxis to park off, but rather a terminus for the commuters pick-up and drop-off for the routes in and out of Fourways. Our main priority is keeping the community, patrons, and staff within the mall safe, therefore this needs to be a consultative process with all involved parties.”
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