Residents and commuters in the area surrounding Andries Pretorius Street, near the newly constructed Somerset West Public Transport Interchange (PTI), are up in arms over the alleged reckless and dangerous behaviour of taxi drivers operating from the facility. Concerns have been escalating due to a surge in traffic violations, criminal activity and the overall disregard for road safety by these drivers.
The community has highlighted a number of offences committed by the taxi drivers, including ignoring traffic signals, dangerous manoeuvres such as u-turns in the middle of the intersection, sudden stops in heavy traffic, and overtaking on the wrong side of the road are common occurrences.
Some drivers are also accused of blocking traffic when taxis often stop in the middle of the road to load or unload passengers, operating outside the rank and using surrounding streets as well as holding areas, further contributing to congestion and chaos, and excessive noise by playing loud music and continuous hooting.
The community has written letters to urge the City of Cape Town regarding the installation of operational CCTV cameras in Andries Pretorius Street and surrounding areas.
They believe that these cameras could be instrumental in gathering evidence of the taxi drivers’ transgressions and holding them accountable.
“Despite the significant investment of R65 million in the taxi rank, it seems that the City has failed to address the serious issues caused by the behaviour of the taxi drivers,” said a member of the administrator of the Lourens Street Group, a group of residents who have formed a united front to address these challenges.
“We urge the City to take immediate action to curb this reckless behaviour and ensure the safety of our community.”
The community has called on the City to investigate the matter thoroughly, identify the offending taxi drivers, and impose appropriate penalties.
They also emphasised the need for increased traffic law enforcement in the area to deter future violations.
In response to an enquiry, spokesperson Maxine Bezuidenhout stated that the City’s Traffic Service is aware of the challenges at the interchange.
She stated that in this regard, the Transport Enforcement Unit (TEU) has conducted a number of enforcement operations at the Somerset West PTI and immediate surrounds in the past four months which resulted in the following:. The impoundment of 35 taxis for operating illegally. Issuing of 1 629 traffic-related fines. Conducted 11 enforcement patrols
“In addition to the above, the TEU roving team has also conducted six visits within the past three months resulting in 481 traffic and by-law fines issued,” said Bezuidenhout.
“The TEU will continue to monitor the PTI with another enforcement operation to be conducted this week still.”
Residents are requested to report any suspicious behaviour or criminal activity by phoning the City’s Public Emerg 7700 from a cellphone and 107 from a landline.
