TAXI operators angry over new by-laws.
Taxi operators are furious after the City of Cape Town approved new traffic by-law amendments that will allow authorities to impound both private and public transport vehicles again.
The amendments were approved during a full sitting of Council and will come into effect once they are gazetted.
The issue caused major disruption in 2023 when taxi operators protested and removed their vehicles from the roads after impoundments were introduced.
The national government later suspended the impoundments, but the City has now found a way to bring them back.
What the new rules mean
Under the amended by-law, traffic officers will be allowed to impound vehicles involved in illegal street racing, vehicles driven by drunk or unlicensed drivers, reckless driving cases and vehicles with false number plates.
The City said Traffic Services made 1 512 arrests for drunk driving and 158 arrests for reckless and negligent driving during the first nine months of the current financial year.
MMC for Safety and Security Jean-Pierre "JP" Smith said stronger action is needed.
"The drunk driving arrests represent a 10% increase compared to the previous year. In terms of the amended by-law, the vehicles involved in such arrests could be impounded, quite simply because existing measures have done little to deter this kind of behaviour," said Smith.
He added that work is already under way to create more space at impound lots.
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"We realise that the new provisions will demand increased space at our impound facilities," he said.
City cites road deaths
MMC for Urban Mobility Councillor Rob Quintas said too many people are dying on Cape Town roads.
"From 2021 to 2024, a total of 3 007 people were killed in 262 225 traffic crashes in Cape Town. That is, on average, one death every 11 hours and 40 minutes," said Quintas.
He said 68% of those killed were pedestrians.
"We can save lives and avoid traffic crashes by keeping to the rules of the road. And for those who don't, there will now be severe consequences," he said.
Taxi industry pushes back
Taxi operators say they are being unfairly targeted.
Santaco spokesman Makhosandile Tumana said the new developments are taking the taxi industry backwards.
"Now what is the use of that task team when we find ourselves here again? The government knows our concerns and today we are here," said Tumana.
He said the taxi industry is discussing possible legal action against the City.
CODETA chairman Nceba Enge said owners should not suffer because of drivers' actions.
"We are saying you cannot be punishing an operator for what the driver has done on the road. If the driver enters a red robot, then the vehicle should not be impounded, but the driver should be punished for what he has done. That is our position as operators," said Enge.
A taxi owner from Samora Machel agreed.
"It does not make sense that a driver violates a road rule, then you take my car. The driver does not feel the pain of his actions, but the taxi owner suffers," he said.
