Council awaits legal stance on taxi rank
A reply from the Legal Service department is now awaited.
The municipality has sought legal advice on happenings at the Taxi Rank.
According to the agenda of a Community Services Portfolio Standing Committee on February 16, the memorandum was approved and an email was dispatched.
A reply from the Legal Service department is now awaited.
On the same date, a resolution by the Development Planning and Human Settlements Portfolio Standing Committee to the Executive Committee related to the extension of the Terminus Street rank.
Under ‘matters arising’, Cllr Jean Damons was quoted.
She advised the Community Services and Town Planning directorates to ensure compliance was met, with regard to the establishment of rank along Sutherland Street.
On a national level, Government has stepped up its game in relation to taxi conflict.
Provincial Minister for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu vowed to crack down on law enforcement members embroiled in the feud.
In a meeting in Madadeni recently, he revealed many allegations in this regard.
With allegations linking the SAPS, Road Traffic Inspectorate and the Municipal Traffic Department, Mr Mchunu urged the community to report any instances of law enforcement involved in perpetuating instability in the taxi industry.
“Law enforcement agencies have to always act in accordance with the law, and ensure stability and fair application of the law.”
“We are aware of strong allegations implicating law enforcement agencies, who are owning taxis and also causing instability. Already, high level investigations are underway to deal with this matter.”
Mr Mchunu said he was convinced there would be no further violence in Newcastle.
This, he claimed, was judged by the commitment of all taxi associations involved with an extensive negotiation process.
“As Government, we will continue working hard to facilitate dialogues and move with speed, in resolving conflict in the taxi industry.”
