Over the weekend, Cape Town authorities impounded taxis as part of a joint effort with the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) to address serious road safety offenses and ensure compliance with the National Land Transport Act (NLTA).
Impoundment Details
According to safety and security member JP Smith, eight taxis were impounded on Friday, and another six on Saturday. One taxi was found guilty of significant overloading, but was released as it had not yet been processed. The remaining taxis were impounded for serious offenses, including driving without an operating license, operating on incorrect routes, driving without a driver’s license or Professional Driving Permit (PDP), and being unfit for roadworthiness.
Disagreement Over Agreement
Despite the joint effort, there appears to be disagreement between the City of Cape Town and Santaco regarding the exact terms of their agreement. Smith corrected what he considered inaccurate statements related to the agreement on social media.
Next Steps
The next steps involve finalizing a standard operating procedure (SOP) for exercising the discretionary power provided under the NLTA. A taxi task team is expected to complete this process within 14 days. The team will also define a list of additional major offenses resulting in impoundments, as well as less severe offenses for which fines will be issued.
Importance of Compliance
Smith emphasized that while the SOP is under development, road users must not disregard existing rules. He expressed concern over Santaco leadership potentially misrepresenting the terms of the agreement to taxi owners or drivers, which could lead to confrontations when officers implement the agreed-upon measures.
Collaboration for Road Safety
The collaboration between the City of Cape Town and Santaco marks a critical step forward in addressing road safety concerns and ensuring that taxi services adhere to the necessary regulations. Both parties must work together to maintain clear communication, avoid misunderstandings, and promote a safer environment for all road users.
Local Attractions
Meanwhile, Cape Town residents can enjoy various deals on cars under R100,000 and explore the natural beauty of the Garden Route with a guided adventure canyon tour for R1,050. These offers present an opportunity for locals to experience the city’s stunning attractions while ensuring safe and responsible driving practices.
