The Gauteng Department of Community Safety has released its report on the discussion with taxi drivers that occurred at the Randburg Taxi Rank on 17 October.
The meeting was part of an awareness campaign by the department to educate drivers about the importance of adhering to the rules of the road, and hear taxi drivers’ complaints (see previous article).
The report issued on 20 October is as follows:
The Gauteng Department of Community Safety together with Randburg [police]… embarked on road safety campaign to educate taxi driver on road safety.
Public transport accounts to a great extent a high number of crashes and fatalities on Gauteng roads, hence the department saw it relevant to take the campaign to those affected the most.
During the campaign drivers at the Randburg taxi rank were educated on dangers of excessive speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Driving of unroadworthy vehicles, reckless and negligent driving was also discouraged and drivers were taught on the disadvantages of driving such vehicles and not adhering to the rules of the road.
Amongst the challenges drivers raised were lack of parking bays in the area and as a result that they end up breaking the rules of the roads by parking in non-designated area.
They also complained about the poor road infrastructure between Randburg and Morningside areas.
“The roads have been badly designed and they are not in favour of the taxi industry and as result drivers accumulate traffic law infringement fines,” said one driver.
Provincial Principal Officer, Fikile Banda, of the Gauteng Traffic Police, responded to the questions raised by the drivers and also indicated the importance of blowing the whistle on corrupt officers.
“The traffic officers are not superior to the laws of the country, if you feel that you have been mistreated, report and stern action will be taken as a number of officers have been dismissed for misconduct such as bribery. I also urge drivers to refrain from tempting the officers by offering them bribes.”
Drivers at the Randburg Taxi Rank vowed to improve customer service and to abide by the code of conduct, rules and regulations currently in place at the rank. In the event of none-adherence to the code of conduct they face a penalty fee ranging from R100 to R300.
Details: Randburg Taxi Rank 071 440 1512, Gauteng Department of Community Safety 011 689 3600.
