Makeshift taxi rank saga continues
SANDTON – Metro police stepped in and relocated the taxis on Grayston Drive on 5 May. However, the taxis have since returned.
In the article, New makeshift taxi rank, Week ending 29 April, taxis on Grayston Drive were described as ‘hazardous’. It was further explained in Makeshift taxi rank is no more, published on 12 May, that Metro had staged an intervention to remove the taxis. However, the issue is still ongoing and Metro police spokesperson, Superintendent Edna Mamonyane, said that the situation is exceptionally complex.
She said that on 5 May, Metro arrived at the makeshift taxi rank to remove the taxis and issue fines.”Some of the taxis were even towed away and we, as law enforcers, were determined to move these taxis because they were clearly creating an obstruction.”
However, this served as a temporary solution and the taxis were seen back on Grayston Drive the following day. In response to this, Mamonyane said, “The issue is very complicated. You see, we do not even know if the taxis have permission to be there and the investigation is still ongoing. The fact of the matter is that the taxis are creating a dangerous obstruction and whether or not they have permission to be there, is irrelevant.”
Mamonyane said that Metro are not the organisation who decides whether or not taxis are permitted to be in a certain area. She said that Metro’s duty is to ensure that the taxis are not a danger to drivers.
“There needs to be better communication between those who permit taxis to be in a certain area and the law enforcers such as Metro. We, as Metro, understand whether or not a taxi rank is viable in a certain area. We cannot expect a man behind a desk at a department to adequately understand whether or not a taxi rank is allowed in a certain area.”
She said that Metro desperately needs to come up with a long-term solution. Some of the short-term solutions may be another handing out of fines, or a relocation, but she repeatedly said that Metro’s efforts are ongoing.
For road users who have become frustrated with this makeshift taxi rank, Mamonyane stressed that although Metro is working to alleviate the issue, the problem has not been solved.
Details: Metro 011 758 9106.
