Knysna Municipality to meet with local taxi association after illegal protests

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

The Knysna Municipality is to hold a meeting with local taxi associations on Friday after an illegal protest action blocked traffic along the N2 through the town last week.

The taxi operators used their vehicles to block traffic during peak time last Monday over their dissatisfaction related to the new but unused taxi rank at Hornlee on the outskirts of town.

The taxi drivers say providing transport from the R9.5m rank instead of central Knysna could result in financial losses.

A 37-year-old man was arrested for instigating the illegal protest.

In an effort to address the operators' concerns, the municipality will now be meeting them on Friday.

Knysna Municipal Manager Lauren Waring said: The Knysna Municipality continues to engage with the taxi associations regarding their issues and demands, and have tried on numerous occasions to bring this matter to a conclusion that is fair on all parties involved.

[These parties] include residents and businesses surrounding the Fruit & Veg area, and in Hornlee, as well as commuters and the taxi fraternity."

Waring said it was hoped all parties could be accommodated in some way and that the matter was resolved amicably.