Unauthorised Windhoek taxis urged to register

  • 1 Week Ago - 2024-09-10 09:50:00
The Windhoek City Police said that it has noted with concern the increasing number of unauthorised public transport operators and operations in the city.
In a media statement, the City Police said that investigations revealed that numerous operators transport passengers without the proper authorisation, including shuttles to and from the airport and those operating via digital applications.
In light of this, the City of Windhoek, which regulates public transportation, urged public motor vehicle owners who transport passengers for payment, to obtain the necessary permits and register with the City Police to obtain the necessary authorisation.
“At the moment, the city has over five thousand registered public motor vehicles [taxis] thanks to the ease and affordability of registration,” the City said.
“To register a public motor vehicle, one must have a transportation permit indicating its operational areas as per Section 31 (1) (a) of the Road Transportation Act of 1977. According to Regulation 284 of the Road Traffic and Transport Regulations published under Government Notice 53 of 2001, an operator must be identified and registered if they convey passengers for reward,” the City said.
Furthermore, Regulation 127 (1)(b) states that a driver may not convey passengers for reward unless their drivers licence is endorsed with a professional authorisation (PA).
The City said that once all requirements are met, vehicles undergo thorough inspections by authorised officers to determine their roadworthiness. “Upon passing inspection, a registration certificate, or blue paper, is issued to the operator. This certificate authorises a taxi to operate within the city, as regulated by Regulation 94.”
This document costs N$60 and has to be renewed every six months.
Finally, the City said that to avoid a fine of N$1 000 or their operations being halted, public motors vehicle owners or drivers are urged to follow the registration process.
For more information, potential operators can visit the Windhoek City Police headquarters at the corner of Essen and Sishen Street in Windhoek North, or call 061 302 302.