Pretoria - Taxi drivers took matters into their own hands and directed traffic during morning peak-hour on Thursday at a busy inner city intersection after lights went out for the umpteenth time.
Lights at the intersection of Madiba and Sisulu streets had been off for several days, according to the taxi drivers who regularly pick up passengers nearby.
Mamelodi taxi driver Tumi Mathabatha said it became difficult for them to pick up passengers at the intersection when the traffic lights were non-functional.
In addition, traffic was congested and there were large crowds of people waiting to cross the road.
CONTROLLING TRAFFIC
“We realised we had to do something - and quickly,” Mathabatha said.
He was joined by three other taxi drivers in controlling traffic at the intersection and believes they did well.
He said it was the first time he had directed traffic and would do it again if the situation demanded.
“People appreciated our gesture and some motorists hooted in appreciation,” said Mathabatha.
He said some motorists simply ignored their instructions due to their lack of uniforms, “but it was a fun and worthy cause”.
Tshwane Metro Police Department was still investigating why there had been no officers to manage traffic flow at the intersection.
Pretoria News