Taxi drivers 'treated the same'
2007-11-15 11:17
Johannesburg - Motorists arrested in Johannesburg on Wednesday for "minor traffic offences" believed they were being unfairly targeted, while taxi drivers were left alone. Metro police, however, told News24 on Thursday that taxi drivers would be treated in exactly the same way.
"Out of the 17 who were arrested on Wednesday, three were taxi drivers," Johannesburg metro police spokesperson Wayne Minnaar told News24. "Taxi drivers will be handled just the same as any other drivers we have. They will have to face the same consequences."
Johannesburg metro police have begun a "zero tolerance policy" crackdown on traffic offenders, starting with the arrest of 23 motorists on Florida on Wednesday.
Arrested
Motorists were arrested for ignoring traffic and direction signs, turning where they weren't supposed to and driving on the yellow-demarcated shoulders of the road.
Minnaar explained that mere fines had lost their effect on motorists, leading police to resort to the threat of a night in jail to get motorists to stick to the rules during the festive season.
"Even if we issue people with a R1 000 traffic fine at the time, they pay it and then they still continue committing offences," he said.
The city of Johannesburg would be subjected to the policy until the end of January 2008. According to Minnaar, any "moving violation" could constitute an arrest.
There would be road blocks at various places at different times, as well as surveillance of ten "hot spots", which include Beyers Naude drive, the N12, the N1, William Nicol road and the R511.
While motorists reacted with "shock" to the crackdown, Minnaar said a number of motorists were happy with the new policy.
"There was a huge number of people who phoned in and complimented the metro police department," he said.
News24 users had the following to say about the new policy:
"Sometimes I wonder how they put these operations together, they seem to target areas where the majority of people are traceable, the taxis are a problem, and will forever be a problem until the law does what it's supposed to and punishes the offenders." Glenn
"I have no problem with people being locked up for illegal road use. The only major factor is that taxis get away with it all the time and nothing is done about it. Us responsible drivers who wait in the queues for our turn eventually get "gatvol" and then do the same as them (taxis)." News24 user
"Way to go! As a considerate driver I applaud the cops for finally taking a stand. Yes, the taxi drivers are probably worse - but this is a start. Honestly, after reading this report, will you disobey the traffic laws again?! I don't think so! Good luck to the cops, and thank you for trying to make our rush-hour trips less annoying by taking care of the drivers who think there is a difference between "small" and "big" traffic offences." Jansie Griezel
"I'm all for active policing and agree that a zero-tolerance policy should be adopted. But then it should be applied fairly. I have seen traffic police flash blue lights at taxis with no fines, and then fine motorists for lesser offences. Sort out the taxis and people won't have to adopt such an aggressive driving style!" Grant
"About time - if you obey the rules, no problem. If not, face the consequences. Some people are quick to complain about the metro police's inactivity, but when they do something constructive, those same people still complain. Try living/driving in Australia - most SA drivers would lose their licences in 6 months. Metro police...keep it up..." Andy
"This is just another case of discrimination. Why is nothing done against the taxi drivers who behave like hooligans on the road. Get those drivers of the road with the reckless bicycle drivers and the roads will be safer." Dennis Strydom