Taxi association complains that law enforcement is singling them out
The Alexandra Taxi Association Fourways Committee is complaining that their taxis are being singled out during morning and afternoon roadblocks, something they say is unfair and needs to stop.
Commuters relying on taxis in Fourways are facing increasing delays, with the Alexandra Taxi Association Fourways Committee claiming that roadblocks during peak hours unfairly target taxis while letting other vehicles pass, leaving passengers late for work and home.
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla clarified that the JMPD does not typically conduct roadblocks during peak hours, and instead focuses on easing congestion during these times. “It is more likely that the roadblocks you’re referring to are being conducted by the Gauteng Traffic Police or the National Traffic Police. While I can’t speak to their operations directly, stops are conducted to ensure vehicle roadworthiness and legal compliance.”
He explained that traffic law enforcement agencies conduct stops for various reasons, including ensuring vehicle roadworthiness, checking driver licenses, verifying public transport permits, and enforcing general traffic laws. “Stops can be part of a specific campaign, eg, focused on unroadworthy vehicles or specific routes, or routine checks to ensure compliance with traffic regulations. Officers typically use criteria such as visible defects on the vehicle, suspected traffic violations, or random checks as part of a broader operation.”
Also read: Taxi Association lambasts traffic officials for ‘unfair’ roadblocks
Fihla encouraged the taxi association to engage with the relevant agencies and utilise official complaint channels if they believe taxis are being unfairly targeted.
Mbuzeni Maxwell Mhlongo, spokesperson for the committee, said: “Passengers are complaining that these morning and afternoon roadblocks make their lives difficult. Our taxis are often stopped and inspected while other vehicles are allowed to pass freely. This results in delays, and our passengers are unable to arrive at work on time.”
Mhlongo said the association is not against law enforcement, but wants transparency on why taxis appear to be singled out during morning and afternoon rush hours, compounding traffic congestion and punishing commuters who rely on taxis for their livelihoods. “Our job is to provide reliable transportation to the community. We understand that officials are doing their jobs, but if these stops are about safety, then all vehicles should be treated equally.”
Also read: Fourways residents call for action to stop taxis driving on pavements
Fourways residents and motorists had their opinion about the issue. Karen Hardman said: “Now they know how frustrated other road users get with their driving skills.”
Tebogo Moremi said: “Leave law enforcement to do their work without any disturbance, like those passengers would like to be disturbed while working. As for taxi operators, they are worried about loads only.”
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We’d love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
