Fourteen tuk-tuks were allegedly wrongfully impounded by Metro police and allegations have been made by some drivers that these vehicles are being targeted.
Tuk-tuks are a common sight on the road and in Sandton they are popular taxi services, but recent allegations have come to light that the drivers of these motorcycle taxis are being targeted by Metro police and by metered taxi drivers.
A tuk-tuk driver who wished to remain anonymous out of fear for his safety told the Sandton Chronicle that they were being intimidated and sometimes attacked by the metered taxi drivers.
“These guys [metered taxis] charge a lot more for the same trip we offer at a cheaper price and they get angry. The Metro police also target us and recently impounded 14 tuk-tuks, which meant the drivers could not work and receive an income,” the driver said. “The Metro police come and chase us away from our waiting spots because they say we are not allowed to be there.”
Bruce Cowie, a shareholder of Shesha Tuks, said the Metro police allegedly impounded 12 tuk-tuks for displaying branding on the vehicles. “The tuk-tuks were released a week later because they did not violate any bylaws. It costs R2 060 to release the vehicle from the impound lot,” said Cowie.
In response to this allegation, Wayne Minnaar, spokesperson for the Metro police said, “The tuk-tuks were obstructing the bicycle lane by parking there all day and that’s why they were impounded. They [tuk-tuk drivers] also placed an advertisement board contrary to advertisement bylaw requirements,” said Minnaar and added that taxis may only park in a space designated by the Transportation Board.
Referring to the alleged intimidation by metered taxi drivers, Cowie said there hadn’t been any recent incidents, but alleged that there have been instances where metered taxi drivers had removed the tuk-tuks’ ignition keys.
“We are trying to empower our drivers to earn a sustainable living and we want to find a solution to the problem of parking,” concluded Cowie.
