Codeta in Khayelitsha say they are taking commuter safety seriously by introducing new laws that aim to prevent drivers from working under the influence of substances.
Drivers and taxi bosses will now be fined by the taxi association if they are found smoking and drinking alcohol inside the taxi.
Codeta says a number of accidents are caused by drunk taxi drivers and they plan to punish those who are breaking the law.
“We looked at the accidents taxis are involved in and saw that it is drunk drivers who cause them,” explained Codeta spokesperson Andile Khanyi.
“A driver found drinking and driving will be fined R3000 while an owner committing the same offence will be fined R10 000. Smoking inside a taxi comes with a R500 fine.”
The new Codeta law was tabled and passed last week during a meeting. Khanyi said there were no objections from drivers and owners.
Khanyi says they also discovered that taxi drivers take their vans to parties at night after they transport commuters.
“Most taxi drivers keep taxis overnight, they then use them when they are going to drink alcohol,” he said.
“When that taxi is involved in an accident, it is our organisation that is dragged through the mud.
“We are putting an end to smoking and drinking alcohol while driving by introducing these fines.”
Commuter Asange Mbobi welcomed the new law.
“Taxi drivers attend parties using their work Quantums to a point where they are disrespected by commuters as we know they drink and drive.
“This new law will redeem their dignity and will cut down road accidents as they drive drunk in the mornings.”