NTA to fine taxi drivers for not wearing a mask
Not wearing a mask will leave drivers affiliated to the National Taxi Alliance (NTA) out of pocket, the association warned on Tuesday.
The NTA says taxi drivers are aware that all Covid-19 health and safety protocols must be adhered to in their vehicles.
Spokesperson Theo Malele says the wearing of a face mask is non-negotiable.
“It is a non-negotiable one and especially when it comes to ensuring that we follow the non-surgical protocols to combat the spread of Covid-19, as advised by the National Coronavirus Command Council last year.
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“Our drivers have been told that under no circumstances will they be allowed to allow passengers to board our taxis without masks on and without their hands being sanitised. The vehicles also cannot leave without being disinfected.
“Also, the driver must ensure these protocols are not compromised and they should become exemplary by wearing their mask at all times.”
Malele says passengers are encouraged to report drivers who are flouting the regulations.
“The public must become our ears and eyes. We have committees at taxi ranks that actually ensure that non-surgical protocols are in place and obviously, law and enforcement are on the lookout that these are not compromised.”
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He says the fines will be determined by the association’s disciplinary committee.
“We will make unannounced visits to taxi ranks and there are also operations that we are jointly doing with law enforcement agencies along the major routes to ensure that the ball is not dropped.”
