The DA in Johannesburg has called for a taxi ombudsman in the city to deal with the bad behaviour of taxi drivers.

The DA in Johannesburg has called for a taxi ombudsman in the city to deal with the bad behaviour of taxi drivers.

Spokesman Ann Barnes said yesterday there were various associations that dealt with taxi issues, but most of the organisations were on the side of taxi drivers.

"Where do passengers or motorists who suffer abusive behaviour go to complain?" she asked.

Barnes said this year had been a bad one. First, there was warring between the different taxi associations. Now passengers are being forced off buses to use taxis.

"It is no use complaining to the taxi associations because they end up making the victims look like villains. What is needed is an overarching body with enforcement powers so that those taxi drivers and associations that are found to be engaging in acts of violence have their taxis impounded and drivers suspended," she said.

"Such drivers should be investigated to see if they have a legitimate public driving permit and if found to be violating the rules of the road they must be removed," Barnes said. - Sapa