THERE was chaos in Durban's city centre yesterday morning when Metro police impounded 68 minibus taxis.
Metro police spokesperson Superintendent Joyce Khuzwayo said the taxis were impounded for illegally operating or going beyond their permits' routes.
"We have impounded 68 taxis and the operation continues," said Khuzwayo.
She said the taxis only had permits to drop off passengers in certain parts of the city centre, such as the Market, and were not allowed to operate in the central business district.
She said the city had other taxis with permits to operate in the city centre.
"There is huge congestion because many taxis now drop off passengers in the central business district.
"We will continue impounding their vehicles because they don't have permits to operate in the city centre," she said.
As the impounding was taking place, commuters complained that the "unnecessary" operation was inconveniencing them.
Several passengers also verbally abused Metro police officers.
"I think these guys (police) are bored and they impound the taxis.
"This will cause us to be late at work. Every time the police have nothing to do, they do this and I hate it," said one passenger.
Chaos as metro cops clamp down on taxis
THERE was chaos in Durban's city centre yesterday morning when Metro police impounded 68 minibus taxis.
Metro police spokesperson Superintendent Joyce Khuzwayo said the taxis were impounded for illegally operating or going beyond their permits' routes.
"We have impounded 68 taxis and the operation continues," said Khuzwayo.
She said the taxis only had permits to drop off passengers in certain parts of the city centre, such as the Market, and were not allowed to operate in the central business district.
She said the city had other taxis with permits to operate in the city centre.
"There is huge congestion because many taxis now drop off passengers in the central business district.
"We will continue impounding their vehicles because they don't have permits to operate in the city centre," she said.
As the impounding was taking place, commuters complained that the "unnecessary" operation was inconveniencing them.
Several passengers also verbally abused Metro police officers.
"I think these guys (police) are bored and they impound the taxis.
"This will cause us to be late at work. Every time the police have nothing to do, they do this and I hate it," said one passenger.