A taxi rank that “sprung up” in Shirley Park at the Stikland train station, has residents fuming, and they’ve asked City of Cape Town officials to investigate.
In a letter to Northern News, Shirley Park resident Bernard Swanepoel said the community had complained previously to the municipality and ward councillor about taxis using Ford Street, as taxi access was restricted to the De La Haye Road entrance.
A “no taxis” sign was posted on Voortrekker Road, at the left turn into Ford Street, in June last year, after a request from Ward 3 councillor Brendan van der Merwe. But to the surprise of both residents and City officials, it was moved further down Ford Street, just after the station, on Tuesday January 14, and a “taxis only parking” sign was posted in front of the station.
Ford Street is the only road residents from 286 homes can use to get in and out of the area.
“The road was totally blocked and the drivers of the taxis involved were aggressive when approached and indicated that they would not move as they had passengers to collect,” Mr Swanepoel said.
Mr Van der Merwe said ward councillors from Sub-council 6 had inspected areas where problems had been reported, including Ford Street.
“I listed the Stikland station entrance in Ford Street as one of our destinations so that we could view the reported change in signage and further report on the matter appropriately to ensure that the City of Cape Town officials from the roads and traffic departments deal with or investigate the complaint adequately,” he said.
Mr Van der Merwe said no one had consulted him on any changes to the signage.
“This matter is currently under investigation and was referred to the roads and traffic department by myself, after I received a complaint from a resident on Tuesday (February 14) morning,” he said.
Siyabulela Mamkeli, mayoral committee member for area central, said the City was unaware of any taxi demarcation or taxi holding for the area, and officials would visit the site to investigate.