Unauthorised taxi operations, street vendors a growing concern in east
The "spillover" of taxis into the intersection has not only disrupted traffic flow but also poses a safety risk, while more health and pollution concerns rise with informal traders.
Ratepayers in Moreleta Park have expressed concerns over the unchecked growth of taxi operations and informal trading at the Rubenstein and Garsfontein Road intersection, east of Pretoria.
The spillover of taxis into the intersection has not only disrupted traffic flow but also poses a safety risk, while informal trading grows health and pollution concerns rise.
Deirdré van Helsdingen, founding director of Pretoria east Community Caring Forum, said the rampant growth of taxi operations at the intersection, unencumbered by a formal taxi rank, has exacerbated the already dire situation across Pretoria.
She said the spillages of taxis into the intersection has not only given rise to numerous traffic and congestion problems but has also posed significant health and environmental concerns.
According to Van Helsdingen, the lack of a designated space for taxi operations or a formal rank has allowed these issues to spiral out of control.
She said in the morning and the afternoon long queues of taxis park in the intersection to pick up commuters from work.
“Despite the multiple issues arising from the lack of formal taxi ranks in the area, public transportation remains an indispensable necessity for commuters, and the daily commute must go on.
This then blocks the traffic that needs to turn left from Rubenstein into Garsfontein Road,” she said.
Van Helsdingen said informal trading has also peaked in the area.
“The area is full of litter and in summer it worsens when it rains.”
She said there are a lot of traders in front of the SPAR supermarket selling all sorts of goods and it is expanding.
“We as property tax-paying residents do not want to have the informal trading on the sidewalk.”
She said another problem is on Wekker Road, close to the corner of Picasso Street.
“Approximately 50 taxis are parking there daily. Informal traders sell there make a mess and then set the rubbish alight, causing major smoke pollution.”
She said she believes that it is a perfect area to be developed in an organised and controlled taxi rank.
“The main problem is at Town and Regional Planning. They did not provide parking areas in their planning, which then leads to informal parking.”
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed that the informal trading is not authorised.
“The area where the street traders operate is non-declared, therefore, those selling fruit, vegetables and food will need to be licensed in compliance with the health and fire regulations,” Mashigo said.
He said the city’s Economic Development Division is responsible for licensing both formal and informal businesses by the approved Street Trading By-laws.
Mashigo said consequently, the Economic Development Division will conduct a by-law awareness workshop to educate the traders and ensure compliance.
“Traders who qualify and meet the criteria will be assisted in obtaining street trading licences.”
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