Twenty-one taxis were impounded and more than R1000 000’s worth of fines were issued when Kouga Municipality and the South African Police Service held roving road blocks in and around Jeffreys Bay.
Kouga Executive Mayor Elza van Lingen said the aim of the joint operation was to clamp down on illegal taxi operators in the municipal area.
“Public transport vehicles were targeted so as to ensure that they were roadworthy and licensed to operate in Kouga. We wanted to send out a clear message that illegal taxi operators would not be tolerated,” the Mayor said.
She said 25 fines, totalling R106 500, were issued to taxis operating without a valid permit and for vehicles and drivers who failed to comply with fitness requirements.
Fines totalling R9 800, linked to 11 warrants of arrests, were also collected during Friday’s operation while one arrest was made for reckless and negligent driving.
Twenty-one taxis were impounded, of which 15 have thus far been released after the owners paid fines totalling R 37 500.