Illegal taxi rank takes over narrow street

Disgruntled residents of Abercorn and Plunkett avenues in Brixton have voiced their concerns over taxi drivers who have been parking their vehicles along the pavements of these roads.

The roads are in close proximity to the back entrance of Helen Joseph Hospital.

Brixton ward member René van Niekerk was very distressed at how this seemingly minor inconvenience has turned into something completely out of hand.

“The situation is totally unacceptable. We have been trying to deal with this issue for the last three years without any success. This is a residential area and this matter has a huge impact on the residents and their property values.”

The continued use of these residential streets as illegal parking spaces and makeshift ranks have resulted in access problems for residents trying to leave their homes. “Some residents work shifts and it is impossible for them to rest during the day. There are also many communes in the area, and I have had many complaints from students stating that it is impossible to continue with their studies, ” said Van Niekerk.

Resident Sharon Gluckman was also not pleased with how this parking situation has turned out.

“We’ve had visitors to the hospital who have parked their cars all along our street, which has led to many car alarms going off constantly,” said Gluckman.

The increased number of taxis parking in the streets has also caused street vendors to start setting up shop.

“I have also had complaints that food is being prepared on the pavements. This is a huge health risk. The list of problems is endless. There’s been a notable increase of litter and criminal activities in and around this taxi rank. It is very easy for criminals to mingle with taxi passengers or to escape after committing a crime,” said Van Niekerk.

Ward 69 councilor Katja Naumann pointed out that the makeshift rank served as a temporary depot for surrounding medical clinics to come and collect medical resources from the Helen Joseph Hospital. “The makeshift rank does not operate everyday. These streets have ended up becoming alternative parking spots for these medical depots. These parking practices at the back of the hospital are not acceptable. The question remains why the front of the hospital has not been properly utilised for these purposes,” she said.

Metro Police spokesperson Wayne Minnaar said the department will investigate the situation.

“I have requested that Director Sam Sethagu of JMPD Law Unit investigate these alleged illegal street trading and parking practices.”

The makeshift taxi rank seems to be at its worst between 2pm to 3pm on Thursdays.