HESSEQUA NEWS - Hessequa region requires all taxi operators to be licensed, yet there are many unlicensed taxis still in operation. Some of these are marked as taxi vehicles and others are indicated as being personal vehicles used by an individual to offer unauthorized taxi-like services.

Illegal taxi operation is generally seen as a victimless crime although it may affect the economic value of licensed taxis, and safety regulations may be bypassed. A number of illegal taxi operators have been identified by the Hessequa Protection Services and in conjunction with the Hessequa Municipality came up with a suitable solution. The project aims to break away from the conservative law enforcement way of doing things.

In order to curb illegal touting, Hessequa Municipality is extending a helping hand to help legalise taxis within our region.
Meetings were held to explain the running of the project and its implementation to taxi operators.
Illegal taxi operators will receive the following:

• Free roadworthy testing;
• Help with provincial operating license and permit applications;
• Help with SARS tax number applications; and
• Any other help needed to become fully licensed and legal operators.

This project will help structure the small public transport infrastructure and improve service delivery to the community. The Municipality aims to legalise the illegal taxi industry in Hessequa and prevent further exploitation of an already poor community. Vehicles will be marked and drivers must comply with the fixed rates advertised in the local newspaper. Any illegal taxi operators who do not comply, will be prosecuted and their vehicles confiscated.

The department of legal and protection services truly understands the meaning of best practice by not merely addressing the issue but finding a solution to fix the problem at hand and address councils goals one by one. Hessequa Municipality aims to comply with the National Development Plans as stated in Chapter 4: Transport: "to provide basic infrastructure where needed. Where independent service providers would best meet transport needs, the government will enable licensing within a framework of effective regulation. Providing suitable means for the safe, efficient and cost-effective transport of people and goods is crucial."