Just say no to road bullies

“The [taxi] drivers think just because they are in a hurry to get their passengers to several drop-off points, they believe that the cars on the road are in their way,” said Fourie.

“Whenever taxis see queues of cars, they pass traffic that is stationary,” she added.

She also claimed that Metro police have not given attention to the issue, as they are more worried about speeding than the behaviour of taxi drivers.

Fourie is troubled about taxis using one-way roads and emergency lanes to pass other cars; they also make use of the pavements when rushed.

“They can be verbally abusive if you try to be authoritative,” claimed Fourie.

“If you try move past them, they gesture for you to back off.”

Another motorist, Gawie de Wet, is annoyed by the the taxis who, he claims, push other cars off the road. He alleges taxis move into oncoming traffic and use the lanes that go in the opposite direction to traffic flow.

“Even though the traffic is slow in the mornings, they push [in] regardless. I feel sorry for them [the passengers], as their driving is dangerous,” he added.

According to the Alexandra-Randburg-Midrand-Sandton Taxi Association treasurer Sam Budzwa, taxis may not drive into oncoming traffic.

All taxis with a yellow triangle sticker at the back are part of the association.

“If you see a taxi doing something wrong, take their number plate down and send it through so we can assist,” added Budzwa.

Johannesburg Metro police spokesperson Wayne Minnaar told motorists to also send complaints to the department.

“When there is a complaint of taxis ignoring the rules of the road, such complaints must be sent to the Metro police director of operations Sipho Dlepu,” said Minnaar.

Details: Sipho Dlepu 011 758 9128 or siphod@joburg.org.za