Residents living near the corner of Putney and Chiswick streets in Brixton said they have grown increasingly frustrated by taxis using their residential street as an unofficial waiting bay, with concerns ranging from illegal parking and public nuisance to the alleged use of municipal water to wash vehicles.

The publication visited the area after receiving complaints from residents. Several taxis were observed parked along the street, although drivers declined to comment when approached. Resident Rashida Mather-Deane said the taxis regularly gather near the community borehole, creating ongoing disruption for those living nearby. “We’ve been dealing with this for some time. The taxis wait here for long periods, and we’ve also seen vehicles being washed using the municipal water,” she said.

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Following the publication’s enquiry on July 24, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) investigated the complaints. According to JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla, officers were dispatched to the corner of Putney and Chiswick streets, where they found three taxis parked on the public road.

“The drivers were issued with a stern warning and assured officers that they would not return to use the street as a waiting bay,” said Fihla. He explained that residential streets are not designated taxi holding bays or taxi ranks, and using them as waiting areas contravenes municipal traffic regulations and public road by-laws. JMPD also confirmed it is aware of residents’ allegations that taxi drivers have been washing vehicles using municipal water.

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The department has also committed to conducting follow-up patrols along Putney and Chiswick streets to ensure compliance and prevent taxi operators from returning to the area.

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