A temporary intervention at the Sunninghill Taxi Rank aims to get more parked taxis off the road and create a more manageable space for commuters and motorists.

The operation, carried out with the City of Johannesburg, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), Pikitup and other city entities, included clearing parts of the property and levelling the ground to create additional space for taxis.

Read more: Fourways sees illegal taxi ranks ‘mushrooming’ everywhere, here’s what the law says

JMPD was on site with Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy after the operation on September 10 to ensure safety, as a truck was there to collect the debris left during the operation on September 9.

Reddy said informal settlers had previously occupied the site before their removal about two years ago, but had later returned.

During the latest operation, a mound of rubbish and dirt was found on the property, with mattresses and sofas among the waste.

Reddy said the items suggested that people may have been living on the site, although no one came forward to confirm this.
The JRA is now levelling the area so more taxis can use the property instead of parking along Witkoppen Road.

“This is a temporary measure so that more taxis can be accommodated on the property rather than parking on the side of the road,” said Reddy.

Also read: Illegal taxi rank spreads across Fourways intersection despite repeated clean-ups

He said the taxi association and marshals were aware of the changes and that the intervention was intended to reduce traffic problems and improve safety for motorists and pedestrians.

“We do require more work to be done and the facilities need to be improved, but it’s a step in the right direction.”

The councillor also called on the city to prioritise proper transport facilities in Sunninghill, particularly as developers convert more office buildings in the area into residential apartments.

“These are key components for transport for residents that are living right across the road in all the converted office blocks to apartments that require such transport.”

Long-term goal for transport hub

Reddy said the long-term goal should be to make the taxi rank safe, neat and usable.

The latest work has also affected some vegetation on the site, with some smaller trees already removed. Reddy said more could be removed as the area is developed, although some trees on the outskirts could potentially be retained to provide shade.

Reddy thanked the city’s Region 8, JMPD and JRA for their involvement. “It is better late than never, but it’s a step in the right direction to clean up the Sunninghill Taxi Rank.”

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