Residents at war over taxis

A blight on our town or a ‘simple’ solution gone wrong?

This is the question residents are asking of the makeshift taxi rank, which has popped up opposite the Newcastle Mall entrance on Allen Street.

“No one can say who gave the taxis permission to park there; I find the whole situation absolutely disgusting. It’s a threat to security in Arbor Park,” exclaimed resident, Doreen Booy.

She added refuse was only collected from the makeshift rank once a week, which further fueled her concern about compromised hygiene and safety.

“This is happening right at the entrance of our town! I can’t believe Protection Services and the Municipality have allowed this.”

Mrs Booy explained a meeting to address the issue took place earlier this week, prompting taxis to begin setting up another makeshift rank along Hospital Street, where drivers clean out their vehicles and generally make a nuisance of themselves.

Likewise, a business owner operating from Arbor Park, felt a bad precedent was being set.

He and his son provided a range of complaints, including:

– Disturbances in the early hours of the morning,

– The prevalence of illegal hawkers and vendors,

– Taxi ‘clients’ jaywalking and vehicles obstructing traffic flow, and

– Potential criminal threat to Arbor Park residents.

“We are afraid because of the recent taxi violence. Our staff don’t want to use these taxis and tell us they are fearful.”

Stating control and safety were the biggest issue they had, the owner and son said the makeshift rank was simply not good for business.

On the other end of the spectrum, taxi owners felt they were left with little choice.

Speaking exclusively to the Newcastle Advertiser, a group of taxi drivers collectively agreed operating on both sides of the road was an inconvenience to clients.

“We feel other taxi associations are given preference – we are being sidelined.”

Commenting on the matter, Newcastle Mall Marketing Manager, Beulah Rajkumar said the Mall had allowed taxis to temporarily operate within its parking area, until its rank was fully operational.

She added this could only happen once taxi associations applied for legal operating licences.

“Without this, the Mall’s rank cannot be operational. The Department of Transport (DoT) gave strict instruction that all taxis operating within the Mall’s parking area be removed, as they had formed an illegal rank without applying for relevant operating licences.”

Mrs Rajkumar said, to her understanding, the DoT had taken this step to force taxi associations’ hands, in light of illegal operations.

Mall management further expressed concern at the makeshift rank opposite its premises.

“This caused a few unwanted problems, with shoppers continuously having to cross Allen Street to get to the taxis.”

After further discussion with the Traffic Department, interim arrangements were made for taxis to enter the Mall parking area, to pick up and drop off passengers only.

“The Traffic Department will monitor the situation, and any illegal ranking will be dealt with and controlled by them.”

The head of the Traffic Department was contacted for clarity, and in keeping with Municipal policy, referred the matter to the Communications Unit for response.

Despite assurances that a statement would be sent, head of the unit, Zandile Masondo failed to provide feedback in time.

In the meantime, residents such as Mrs Booy have one poignant question to ask: “Mr Mayor, what are you doing about this?”