LETTERS: Will new taxi rank be policed?

The new taxi rank on the cards for Ballito would be a valuable addition to an already good infrastructure (Courier, August 26).
I do understand that the poor commuters are exposed to the elements where they are currently embarking or disembarking and that a plan has to be made and I applaud the decision.
I have one question: when the taxi rank is relocated, or maybe even sooner, will law enforcement of this district ensure that the road laws are applied? The taxi drivers have a blatant disregard for any road laws or rules. They callously drive and stop where and how they want, in or out of peak times. Their attitude is shocking and at best defiant if a motorist complains.
I acknowledge that this is a generalisation and may not apply to every driver.
I heard a rumour, and am not saying it is true, that most, or then some, of the taxis belong to the law enforcement and local political components and are not under the same obligation to obey the rules as the normal motorist is. If this is in fact the case, I would understand this blatant behaviour and why I have not seen traffic officers in close vicinity of the taxi rank or the usual illegal parking places of the taxis. The one time I did see a traffic vehicle on the road passing by a taxi, the taxi driver blew its horn and waved at the officer who in turn greeted back with equal enthusiasm.
I also know that Ballito is not the exception to the rule as far as taxis in the whole of the country is concerned, but I would still like to be able to tell everyone else that our taxis behave impeccably and are a joy to have on our roads, transporting so many people earning a living.

BETS DE BRUYN
Ballito