An impromptu taxi rank has sprung up in Murray Street near the offices of the Highvelder.
The taxis are periodically legally parked in parking bays on both sides of the street for lengthy periods with some drivers claiming they are simply “parking”.
Several taxi drivers have, however, been observed parking their vehicles close behind one another while waiting for passengers to embark. Vehicles are also washed and valeted in the street.
This makes it difficult for motorists leaving premises on either side of the street to see oncoming traffic.
In answer to a query concerning the matter, municipal spokesperson Mr Mandla Zwane said the Director of Public Safety for Msukaligwa, Mr Daniel Maluleke, had personally attended to the issue on several occasions, dating back to 2010.
The taxi operators have, however, ignored his instructions for them to move away, claiming that the owner of a nearby garage gave them permission to park their vehicles there. Mr Maluleke recently ordered the taxi operators to remove their vehicles, but these instructions were again ignored.
“This is an illegal taxi rank. Mr Maluleke will again attend to the matter as there are two recognized taxi ranks in town which these operators should use,” said Mr Zwane.
