LOOK: South Beach & North Beach Taxi Association installs cameras in 70 taxis for passenger and driver safety
Durban — Over the weekend, the South Beach and North Beach Taxi Association installed cameras in 70 taxis for the safety of their passengers.
This was according to the association.
In a brief statement on its Facebook page, the association said the cameras were installed after having received multiple complaints from their passengers that they felt unsafe while using the taxis.
“To ensure their safety, during the weekend, we had cameras installed in 70 vehicles. We will gradually install cameras in the remaining vehicles,” the association said.
“Also, a team will be assigned to monitor the safety and well-being of passengers.”
The announcement by the association came after it, and ward 26 held a meeting with residents and commuters on Sunday to discuss the challenges their passengers are experiencing.
Siyanda Ntenga added that in an effort to increase passenger and driver safety, the South African National Taxi Council in Durban, South Beach and North Beach taxis had been installed with security cameras.
“The cameras enable taxi owners/managers to monitor via app what’s happening in the taxi in real time, behaviour of the drivers and their driving patterns, also owners can communicate with passengers through the app, and more. Owners can even stop their taxis remotely if they detect a problem!” Ntenga said.
He reiterated that during the weekend, 70 taxis were installed with these cameras. The target is to have all South Beach and North Beach taxis installed with cameras this December.
He also said that the cameras record inside and outside the taxi.
The installation of cameras has been applauded by commuters and residents. This is how some reacted on Facebook:
Ntokozo Mondli Biyela said: “Great initiative. Well done to the associations. Now let's move to cashless payments.”
Nombuso Nyuswa said: “Wow, that's great. I guess it will also increase safety.”
Sinothile MaNyanda Mdlalose said: “Big ups to the associations for putting the safety of commuters first. It is a great initiative to be welcomed and supported.”
Rohin Singh said: “This should be compulsory for all associations.”
Freeman Sibonelo Eric Biyela said: “Great stance, as we have our mothers, partners and our sisters in there, better care leads to more clients and recommendations.”
Daily News