The by-laws for taxi drivers and residents

Read: Private property turns into a new taxi rank

The Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department’s spokesman, Wilfred Kgasago, says such complaints are governed by various legislation.

The legislation includes:

• The National Road Traffic Act No. 93 of 1996

• The Ekuruhleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMPD) By-laws and Road Transportation Act No.74 of 1977.

Kgasago says the latter is specifically enforced by the provincial and national authorities, especially with regards to taxi permits and routes.

“It is an offence for a public transport vehicle – or any vehicle for that matter – to use private residential property as a place to wait for commuters,” he says.

Residents are urged to report such violation of their rights to the authorities at the relevant EMPD precinct, were a complaint can be lodged with the precinct commander.

Kgasago says there are legal ramifications for offences committed, namely:

• Issuing of fines

• “In certain instances, such as dangerous moving offences like overtaking across a solid line and skipping a red robot, drivers are arrested and charged on a docket,” says Kgasago.

• In the case of taxis that are not roadworthy, Kgasago says the licence discs are confiscated.

“We then declare the vehicle unfit to be used on the public road until it is taken for a roadworthy re-test,” he says.

Kgasago adds the EMPD enforces the police service’s by-laws governing the taxis, as well as the National Road Traffic Act.

“This is done in terms of documentation required, moving and parking offences, as well as roadworthiness,” he says.

Kgasago says that issues relating to routes and permits where taxis are permitted to operate, which was one of the concerns raised in the taxi drivers’ justification of waiting for commuters at the said location, are the responsibility of the provincial authorities.

Residents and taxi drivers are urged to adhere to the municipal by-laws to avoid any legal recourse.