JOHANNESBURG - From reckless driving to blatant disregard for the rules of the road.
Taxi operators continue to leave many Johannesburg motorists fearing for their safety.
During peak-hour, commuters say it’s a free-for-all, with dangerous overtaking, speeding and unroadworthy vehicles becoming part of the daily commute.
As for law enforcement, it appears to be nowhere in sight.
This has sparked questions on whether or not authorities are doing enough to make Johannesburg’s roads safer.
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One motorist who voiced out his frustration said taxi drivers are a law unto themselves...
But taxi drivers have defended themselves.
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"That’s not true. We work with time and people won’t understand because we work during rush hours. So during peak traffic we don’t have a choice," the driver said.
Meanwhile, Randburg Taxi Association's Charles Seema argued that they do not have designated stops for taxis like buses
"When a passenger stops a taxi, it has to stop on the road. People say we are reckless, but that is not the case. It is the pressure we are faced with daily. So, what people are saying about recklessness is unfair," he said.
The Johannesburg Metro Police Department said while officers are always out on the roads, they cannot win the battle alone.
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Meanwhile, several taxis were impounded in the Johannesburg CBD for various traffic violations.
But that brings little comfort for motorists forced to endure the chaos daily.