More Taxis Impounded by City Traffic Services | Western Cape Government

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More Taxis Impounded by City Traffic Services

1 September 2010

The City's Traffic Services this week arrested over forty (40) taxi drivers and issued more than 300 fines for various taxi offences, in the Cape Town Central Business District (CBD) alone. This joint operation, held on Monday 30 August, brought the number of taxis impounded by the City since January 2010 to one thousand one hundred and forty four (1 144), a total of nine hundred and fifty seven (957) minibus taxis and one hundred and eighty seven (187) sedan taxis.

"These statistics are alarming, considering that these vehicles transport thousands of people, including children, everyday. There needs to be greater self regulatory systems from within the industry," said media spokesperson for Cape Town Traffic Services, Kevin Jacobs.

During the taxi enforcement operation that was held in the Cape Town CBD on Monday 30 August, the following successes were achieved:

  • Three hundred and sixteen (316) traffic-related fines were issued
  • Forty five (45) drivers were arrested on warrants of arrest for outstanding traffic fines
  • Three (3) drivers were arrested for operating illegally

According to Jacobs, Traffic Services regularly holds integrated joint operations with the various policing agencies to ensure that illegal taxi operators and owners of unroadworthy taxis feel the continuous and sustained pressure to comply with the law.

Cape Town Traffic Services has a dedicated Public Transport Unit that enforces all taxi-related complaints. This unit is complemented by a Taxi Ghost Squad team, as well Provincial Traffic and Metro Police officers who assist with enforcement operations.

During these joint operations, illegal taxi operators are arrested on the spot and their taxis are impounded. All taxis that fail roadworthy tests are suspended. The owners of these vehicles then have to take the vehicles to a place of repair.

"We appeal to taxi owners and taxi drivers to comply with the law. This battle can be won with mutual cooperation and voluntary compliance," Jacobs said.

Issued by:
Communication Department
City of Cape Town

Media Enquiries: 

Kevin Jacobs
Traffic Services
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 812 4571
Cell: 083 264 9661

Merle Lourens
Chief Inspector
Traffic Services
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 812 4570
Cell: 072 200 1512