Ward Councilor disapproves of taxi rank

Ward 98 councillor Laurette van Zijl’s illegal taxi rank issues will finally be addressed, although only in three years’ time.

Van Zijl has raised many concerns over the taxis stationed on the corner of Beyers Naudé Drive and Wilson Street in Fairland on numerous occasions, but her cries went unheard for many years.

“After numerous attempts, no one I spoke to seemed to be interested.” I have been communicating with the Transport Department and also the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and they did not give me any solid feedback, said Van Zijl.

Recently, however, she received a response from the officials stating that they will deal with the taxi rank issue during the 2017 financial year.

“Finally, after seven years of complaining, I am happy that they finally agree that we need a suitable taxi rank,” she said.

Van Zijl emphasised that taxi drivers and bus drivers should not use the road as a place to wait for passengers.

“This place is not a taxi rank,” she said. “I am just afraid and also worried that something bad will happen because it is not a suitable place to park.

“The taxis and buses usually occupy the intersection in the afternoon and I just think it is an accident waiting to happen,” she said.

The councillor informed that she has put measures into place to have taxi drivers park at another designated place.

She said she is appalled by the lack of concern revealed by the officials she has being dealing with.