Since two men were shot dead on the popular beach six weeks ago, the Camps Bay taxi rank has come under increased scrutiny.
Captain Keith Chandler from Camps Bay SAPS confirmed that the investigation is with the Serious Violent Crimes (SVC) unit and that no arrests have been made (“Two killed at Camps Bay beach”, Atlantic Sun, October 12).
The chairman of the Camps Bay and Clifton Ratepayers’ Association (CBCRA), Chris Willemse, says they will support the idea of moving the taxi rank if it is beneficial to the public.
“The process is being investigated by the City, SAPS and the CPF, so the CBCRA will be guided by that. The community was promised strict control of the taxis in Camps Bay at the time of the introduction of the MyCiti bus service,” Mr Willemse said.
“The CBCRA would like to see this as a reality where the transport system is functional and safe both for the commuters and community,” he added.
Ward 54 councillor Nicola Jowell says the request to move the taxi rank is with the City of Cape Town’s urban mobility department.
“It should not be viewed as a parking area but a zone to drop and pick up passengers only. The City’s has been looking into all the licences in operation of this route and the enforcement has increased considerably with focused operations on the routes in and out of Camps Bay,” Ms Jowell said.
Rob Quintas, mayoral committee member for urban mobility, says it is difficult to set a timeline for the proposed request because there are so many factors to consider.
“An alternative location for the existing minibus taxi facility must be identified in the Camps Bay area and the alternative location will in all likelihood entail public participation as both residents and operators must be consulted on the proposed new location,” Mr Quintas said.
He said if the proposed venue does not work for them, the taxi drivers can take the matter to the High Court.
“They (taxi operators) may take the matter to the Transport Appeals Tribunal (TAT) and the High Court as government cannot force them to amend authorities on their operating licences. Any amendment to an operating licence must follow a legally prescribed process which, allow the operators remedy via public hearings, TAT and the High Court,” he said.