Tackling the taxi problem
CEDAR LAKES - Frustrations with taxi drivers' behaviour on Cedar Road have reached an all time high after a child was knocked down by a taxi last week.
According to Cedar Lakes Resident’s Association chairperson, Kevin Nicholsen, the child was standing with her mother on the pavement at the corner of Cedar Road and Cedar Boulevard when a taxi dropping off passengers climbed the curb onto the pavement and bumped the child with its side mirror. According to Nicholsen the child sustained moderate injuries from the encounter.
Nicholsen said taxis drivers often climbed the curb to drop off and pick up passengers or made illegal stops anywhere along Cedar Road. He said they also made dangerous U-turns and drove in the yellow line on the road.
Ward councillor for Ward 96 Matome Mafokwane inspected the area and took note of taxi drivers’ behaviour. He suggested that residents should beautify the pavements with plants, rocks and grass to stop taxis from using them as temporary ranks. Mafokwane and Nicholsen have identified a piece of city council land next to Broadacres Shopping Centre which they believe can be developed into a mini-taxi rank which will curb the problem of taxis making illegal stops.
To develop this piece of land Mafokwane will need community consensus in the form of a petition. He urged all residents to sign the petition once it becomes available. Mafokwane and Nicholsen also implored all workers to not hail taxis unless at a designated bus stop. Mafokwane also promised to engage law enforcement about the issue of lawless taxis drivers on Cedar Road.
