Another strike! Taxi operators threaten to withdraw services today
Tamoy Ashman / Our Today
It appears that the strong stance taken by the Government to enact harsher punishments for road traffic offenders has done little to break the spirits of taxi operators, with reports circulating that they will once again withhold their services in protest of the new Road Traffic Act today (February 6).
The new Act came into effect on February 1, 2023 with increased fines for offences and some controversial regulations. Most notably is the regulation that requires taxi operators to have a booster seat for children that received great criticism from members of the public, prompting the Government to review the regulations.
In another desperate plea to have their voices heard, taxi operators will reportedly strike because they have deemed the fines under the new regulation as too high. They are also said to be protesting the suspension of licenses due outstanding tickets and are requesting that extension be given for operators to pay their overdue fines.
This strike comes three months after the taxi and bus operators had withheld their services for three days last year, demanding that they be given a ticket amnesty. A request that was blatantly shut down by the Government.
Instead, motorists were given until February 1, 2023 to clear all outstanding tickets or face the consequences.
Despite multiple warning from government officials to pay their fines, many waited until the last minute, bam rushing the gates of the traffic courts a few days before the new Act would take effect.
Now, children and adults who rely on the services of these operators are once again expected to be stranded at stands, as operators use their strength to try and force the hands of the Government.
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