Polokwane Traffic Dept: We wont tolerate taxi routes without permits
Last week, taxi operators demanded that their vehicles be released without a fine after having been impounded for forming an undocumented sub-rank between 05:00 and 08:00 weekly on the corner of Vermikuliet and Mika streets.
POLOKWANE – Taxi associations that wish to expand or change their routes, should apply for the necessary permits to do so.
This is according to Polokwane Traffic Department official Reginald Ramporo, who said there will not be any tolerance for public transport vehicles that do not follow the prescripts of their existing permits in terms of routes.
Last week, taxi operators demanded that their vehicles be released without a fine after having been impounded for forming an undocumented sub-rank between 05:00 and 08:00 weekly on the corner of Vermikuliet and Mika streets.
Read more: Protest: Seshego taxi drivers lament ‘unfair’ impounding
The area, which is ironically situated in front of the city’s traffic department offices, sees a significant number of commuters rely on hitch-hiking to get to workplaces located outside of the central business district.
This has led to vehicles being impounded by traffic officers if route prescripts are not adhered to.
One of the affected executive members of the Seshego-Polokwane Taxi Association (SPTA), United Nemaungani was some of those who met with the officials of the municipality to discuss this plight.
While the SPTA has vowed to make an application to extend their routes, a representative of the aggrieved taxi operators, Ally Mothiba said they feel targeted.
“There are so many mushrooming taxi ranks in the city that have been in operation for years, but those involved are not kept to the same standards and therefore don’t suffer any consequeces. Moletjie’s taxis has a fully operational sub-rank on the corner of Market and Excelsior streets and their taxis do not get impounded,” he lamented.
In response, Ramporo said the SPTA did not have its facts in order.
“An application was granted to the Moletjie Taxi Association years ago for the extention of routes and therefore, they have the right to transport commuters,” he explained.
“However, only one or two taxis can stop there to pick up or drop off commuters, and leave immediately. They are not allowed to form a sub-rank there.”
Contrary to the SPTA’s statements, Ramporo said Moletjie taxis have been impounded numerous times last month while drivers were waiting for commuters to arrive, as this is not permissible in terms of their licences.
