A total of 210 fines were issued during a joint traffic operation in Pinelands last week.
The joint operation by Pinelands CID and the City’s Law Enforcement and Traffic Services on Wednesday March 19 was held to address safety concerns raised by the residents.
Pinelands CID operations manager Yazied Davids said resources were deployed to hotspot areas following complaints over taxi drivers' reckless behaviour.
“Residents have been complaining about the bad driving behaviour of taxis in Pinelands. A few minibus taxis have been driving on the wrong side of the road, using residential streets, parking illegally, driving recklessly, and disregarding traffic lights and stop signs,” he said.
Maxine Bezuidenhout, spokesperson for Traffic Services, said during the operation, two taxis were impounded; two taxis were found operating contrary to conditions by deviating from their designated routes; five drivers were found to be unlicensed; and 14 motor vehicles were unlicensed, among other offences. The Transport Enforcement Unit assisted traffic officers and issued a total of 210 fines, she said.
“The City’s Traffic Service confirms that regular enforcement patrols are conducted in the Pinelands area. During the most recent intervention, eight taxis, six sedans, five motorcycles and two light delivery vehicles were stopped,” said Ms Bezuidenhout.
Two taxis were impounded during a joint operation in Pinelands.
Image: supplied
Mr Davids said they were grateful for the support they received from Traffic Services, who accommodate their requests for joint operations.
“The traffic department sends vehicles to the area weekly and we are grateful for their support. We have noted the hotspot areas and will be conducting targeted operations in those streets to ensure our roads are safe for motorists. Pinelands SAPS have also assisted with a few operations,” he said
On the Pinelands CID Facebook post, regarding the joint operation, residents lauded their efforts but said it was an on going issue that needed to be addressed.
Helge Lau wrote: “Great effort, but consistent control is badly needed at the BP traffic intersection. The taxis totally disregard any traffic laws with impunity.” Sarah Tweedie echoed the sentiment, saying: “Thank you! This has been such an ongoing problem - making it dangerous for all road users and pedestrians. I hope they can continue to address this and ensure the taxis get the message. While Terry Wilke said: "Thank you but like everybody's saying here, you guys need to keep it up. You can't come once a year and do a Blitz but for 364 days of the year it's an absolute mess. This morning at BP I had six different taxis coming past in the incoming lane.”
Another operation was held on Tuesday March 25 in Mutual Road, Pinelands where 14 taxis were impounded.