 Commuters were left stranded after taxi operators went on strike (Getty Images) South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), which represents the taxi industry in South Africa, called for a provincial strike on August 3 after police started enforcing a new traffic by-law in Cape Town, which was introduced with the aim of reducing traffic offences and dangerous driving. Under the new law, which was announced last summer but only came into effect in July 2023, motorists could see their vehicles impounded if the driver is found to be driving without a licence or registration, if the vehicle's number plate isn't properly secured or if the vehicle is deemed to be not roadworthy. The law also applies if the vehicle has been illegally modified, or if it has defective lights. Drivers would have to pay a fine to release the car from impound, as well as any associated storage fees. Santaco called for the strike as it felt its members were disproportionately affected by this new law, which it has called 'racist discrimination'. A taxi driver is arrested on the N2 (Getty Images) Cape Town is a city where visitors are normally advised to use caution in regards to safety. Like the rest of South Africa, crime rate is high, and can include car jacking, rape and murder. The current pro){kind=link}
Qin Xie
Thursday August 10 2023, 18:23pm
Cape Town has been rocked by violence in recent days after a municipal traffic by-law was introduced to crack down on driving offences in the city. The new law gave the local government authority to impound vehicles where a driver has been involved in violations such as driving without a licence or registration plates. Sporadic violence and rioting broke out in the city after police started enforcing the law, with five people killed, including a British doctor, and at least 120 people arrested. If you’re planning to travel to Cape Town, here’s what you need to know about safety in the city and the latest Foreign Office travel advice.
Main photo: A burnt out bus near Langa, Cape Town (Getty Images)
South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), which represents the taxi industry in South Africa, called for a provincial strike on August 3 after police started enforcing a new traffic by-law in Cape Town, which was introduced with the aim of reducing traffic offences and dangerous driving.