A NEW by-law which aims to regulate taxis and buses was approved by the City’s Executive Committee on Monday. The by-law is currently awaiting Council approval.
In a statement, the City said the by-law prohibits public transport vehicles, including mini-bus taxis, buses and metered taxis, from stopping outside demarcated areas.
It would also be illegal for unroadworthy vehicles to park at a public transport facility.
“Repairs may not be undertaken at these facilities either, while the washing of vehicles is only allowed in demarcated areas at public transport facilities,” the statement read.
What’s more, the by-law states that bus drivers would only be allowed to collect passengers at a demarcated bus stop and in doing so park as ‘close as possible to the kerb’.
Bus drivers are only allowed to pick up passengers at a bus stop. The metered taxis by-law requires that the meter be fitted inside the taxi to ensure the recorded fare is visible at all times.
Passengers have also been prohibited from carrying dangerous or ‘offensive’ items.
The by-law will come into affect six months after its approval by Council. This period allows the municipality to train officials to enforce the new regulations.
In October last year city officials gazetted the ‘problem buildings by-laws’ with the hopes of allievating the issue of Durban’s vacant and abandoned properties. A month later, the eThekwini Municipality enforced the ‘nuisance’ by-laws which prohibits urinating, fighting, littering, shouting, spitting and even sleeping in public spaces.
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