Criminals exploit taxi delay

CRIMINALS have started producing fake taxi registration numbers as the deadline for the registration of taxis expires today.
With authorities running behind schedule to mount taxi lamps as they step up efforts to root out pirate taxis, some criminals have already pasted fake numbers onto their cars for use in illegal activities.

Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (Nabta) President Magnus Nangombe told The Namibian yesterday that one car with fake taxi numbers was used in a theft that took place at the Government Office Park last week and could not be traced. He said the numbers would become more effective once authorities have mounted the newly designed taxi lamp on all registered taxis in the City of Windhoek.The new signs were manufactured by a United States company based in China, but there has been a delay in the delivery.The numbering of taxis is being done by the City of Windhoek after careful screening but the mounting will be done by a private company that will operate from the garages at the Nabta offices in Windhoek.Nangombe said anyone found with fake taxi numbers would go ‘directly to jail’.’To effectively weed out the illegal taxis we need signs mounted on the cars and only one company will have the signs,’ Nangombe said.There are around 7 000 taxis in Windhoek and authorities hope to identify between 2 500 and 3 000 illegal ones once the new system is in use.Efforts are also well underway to finalise and pass the Road Traffic and Transport Bill, which will force all taxis in the country to display, on both sides of the vehicle, chequered black-and-white strips to identity themselves clearly as taxis.The act will also hold municipalities responsible for creating and maintaining demarcated parking bays at appropriate places for buses and taxis.Another stipulation is that the age of vehicles used as taxis will be limited to a provisional five years.Both the Windhoek City Police and Nabta have repeatedly called for the passing of the Public Transport Bill.Nangombe said the deadline for the taxi numbers and signs remains the end of this month (today) but they would meet the City Police to discuss the issue.’The City Police might set a new date or decide what action will be most appropriate,’ he said.