JP Smith

Western Cape Traffic Officers driving the non-complaint taxis to the pound. Photo: JP Smith/ Facebook.

JP Smith: 109 taxis impounded for non-compliance, Western Cape

In a meeting with SANTACO, JP Smith said the leadership agreed that the lawless behaviour of drivers MUST NOT GO UNPUNISHED.

JP Smith

Western Cape Traffic Officers driving the non-complaint taxis to the pound. Photo: JP Smith/ Facebook.

City of Cape Town’s MMC for Safety and Security, JP Smith, remains uncompromising when it comes to the safety of taxi passengers in the Western Cape.

JP SMITH HOLDS AN OPERATION FOCUSED ON TAXIS


JP Smith reported that a 5-day operation around the Wynberg terminus, focusing on the Wetton Rd corridor resulted in the impounding of 109 taxis.

The operation follows a meeting with SANTACO leadership during which concerns were raised about the taxi operators’ non-compliant behaviour.


In the recent meeting with SANTACO, he said the leadership agreed that the lawless behaviour of drivers MUST NOT GO UNPUNISHED.


“…And they asked if we can please arrest these drivers, and NOT impound the owners’ vehicles. I explained that the national law does not allow for this partial concession, instead they needed to ensure they recruit competent and professional drivers.”

JP Smith

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“As for those wanting to argue ‘But the City is not issuing permits!’ Again, we will repeat: THE CITY DOES NOT AND HAS NEVER ISSUED PERMITS. That is a Provincial competency,” he immediately defended.

COMMITTMENT TO RESOLVE THE CRISIS

He said the newly appointed Minister Mackenzie has committed to meeting with taxi leadership, to resolve the issues.
“But on that note, it is often those trying to use this as an excuse to justify their lawless actions, that have never even applied for such permits. Else they would have known they would have applied to Province and not the City of Cape Town municipality,” he further defended.

THE SUCCESS OF THE OPERATION

  • In Wynberg, on the first day of the operation, 18 drivers were arrested, 2 for being under the influence.
  • Also on the first day, 124 taxis were found to be operating without the correct authority, including unlicensed drivers, unlicensed vehicles and unroadworthy vehicles.
  • 41 taxis were found to be overloaded and 38 drivers were found to be having outstanding warrants of arrest.

“The issue is not about lack of permits being awarded. It’s a blatant disregard for the law, for the safety and consideration of other road users,” he further stressed.

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