First taxi rank for Sedgfield expected to ease traffic congestion

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

The opening of Sedgfield's first taxi rank is expected to ease traffic congestion in the Garden Route town, particularly over holiday periods.

With schools breaking up for the mid-year holidays on Friday, Sedgefield is set to welcome scores of visitors over the three-weeks.

For many years parking in Main Street has been difficult, as motorists have had to contend with congestion caused by the taxis.

Knysna municipal manager Lauren Waring said that until the building of this facility, which was opened last week, commuters made use of a few parking spaces opposite the Total Garage in the town’s Main Street, which caused a logjam and was unsafe.

“The new facility provides more parking space and is closer to public toilets. It is close enough to shops and banks, yet far enough out of the main traffic flow to ensure safety for motorists and pedestrians. The local taxi fraternity and commuters are very excited to start using this facility.”

Situated on municipal ground behind the Sedgefield offices of the Knysna Municipality and the Post Office, between Tarentaal and Vink Streets, the rank provides 14 shaded parking bays and a washing bay for taxis.

Waring added that fencing has been erected between the taxi rank and the back of the post office to ensure safe pedestrian access to public post boxes.

Knysna Mayor Georlene Wolmarans said the cost of the taxi rank project amounted to R1.1-million, and was paid for by the municipality, aided by a provincial contribution.

“This site has been developed to its full potential and we are confident that the rank will be able to accommodate the current and future needs of the local taxi industry and commuters for some time to come,” she said.

John Harvey