‘Illegal traders’ are a nightmare for business owners

Business owners and staff along Scott Street have become fed up with the increasing number of alleged illegal hawkers trading in the vicinity.

One such employee, who chose to remain anonymous, said the amount of ‘illegal trading’ taking place was ‘ridiculous’.

“There is a demarcated area for hawkers to trade, on the side of Edgars and under the shelter, but recently hawkers have taken over the road and pavements completely,” fumed the employee.

Adding that hawkers have taken to trading outside the main entrances of businesses in the area, the employee said this was effectively bad for business.

“There is no control over who is allowed to sell and more and more people keep arriving. They block the entrances to businesses and this stops the flow of traffic into stores. Also, it has become a nightmare for motorists in general, as foot traffic has now moved to the road because the pavements are blocked with illegal traders.”

In the past few weeks alone, Newcastle police have reported two cases where pedestrians were knocked down by motorists along Scott Street.

“It’s not just items that the traders are selling.” continued the employee. “There has also been an increase in the number of vendors selling food from parking bays, where they set up braai stands and more. I question the hygiene aspect of this as well. The smoke also wafts into the road, which is one of the busiest in town, and this obstructs the view of motorists.”

Ward 4 councillor, Tanya de Jager, said she knew of the problem, but referred queries to the mayor, Afzul Rehman. Portfolio councillor for Development Planning and Human Settlements, Matthew Shunmugam, responded by saying the Council was currently reviewing outdated bylaws in order to address the current situation.

“Officials from the department visited the area to have discussions with the hawkers in an attempt to resolve the issues to the satisfaction of all parties,” confirmed Cllr Shunmugam.

“Once the bylaws have been approved by Council, the implementation will commence with the view to addressing the concerns of businesses, the informal traders and the public in general,” he concluded.