The taxis park in the short slipway marked as a drop-off area while they wait for clients coming out of the Gautrain station.
“This short area is perfect for drop-offs, but nobody can get into this slipway due to the taxis that are all parked there,” explained one of the affected motorists who did not wish to be named.
He said traffic coming from the corner of Rivonia Road and West Street became backed up. “This wouldn’t happen if the taxis weren’t there,” he added.
“There are other areas for taxis on the other side of Rivonia Road and West Street, they really don’t need to block the only place demarcated for drop-offs and pick-ups.”
He said he tried to speak to some of the taxi drivers about the inconvenience that their actions were causing other motorists.
“I spoke to the so-called man in charge, but I was brushed off with a ‘we are trying to make a living’ statement,” he said. “Surely the security guards who are standing around or even the traffic police, could do something about this. It’s most frustrating.”
Ward 103 councillor Vincent Earp said he had spoken to Metro police a number of times about the issue of meter taxis parking illegally in drop-off zones.
“The taxis are parked there illegally and all attempts to have them removed by the Metro police have fallen on deaf ears,” said Earp. “As a result, residents dropping off or collecting family members have to stop in the street and sometimes even at the intersection of Rivonia Road and West Street.”
Wayne Minnaar, Metro police spokesperson said the issue was not something the Metro police could handle. He said the Gauteng Department of Transport would have to deal with the issue.
Earp added that despite many requests, the City of Johannesburg had not developed a policy or created a new rank for meter taxis in Sandton.
The Gauteng Department of Transport said an official comment would be provided soon.
