Metro police must address this problem – Masera
Democratic Alliance councillor concerned about passengers’ safety on local roads.
Masera claims that there are over 15 local taxis that operate without license discs and that some of these drivers have no valid licenses.
“To my surprise, I found out that metro police have no right to impound taxis that are found to be not roadworthy or arrest drivers without valid driver’s license or Public Drivers Permit (PDP),” he said.
Masera said he was told that JMPD has to ask a joint operation with Gauteng provincial police to raid the targeted subject.
“The concern is that the commuters are traveling under risk of public transport every day of their lives not knowing their lives is in danger, this cannot be allowed especially now that we know.
“I am appealing to the MMC of safety to attend to this matter immediately while metro police are still asking for joint operations from Gauteng provincial police.
“We cannot be a society of trying to resolve problems at all times while we can put a stop to the problem,” said Masera.
Masera said if metro police were fully staffed these taxis wouldn’t be out there making roads unsafe for commuters and road users.
JMPD spokesperson Edna Mamonyane made it clear that only provincial traffic officers have authority to impound vehicles that are not roadworthy.
Mamonyane said for a local traffic division to impound vehicles or issue heavy penalties over motorists that don’t conform to road rules, they need to partner with provincial traffic officers.
During road blocks, JMPD would normally create a file with a list of problems to the car and may discontinue the vehicle if need be due to safety reasons.
“The province usually runs its own safety programmes and crime prevention campaigns,” she said.
