I understand why taxis speed

MINISTER: FINANCIAL PRESSURE LEADS TO TRIP CHASE

- Enkosi Selane

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said she understood the financial pressures that drive taxi drivers to speed. Launching the Easter road safety campaign, Creecy talked to taxi drivers and commuters at Terminus taxi rank in the Eastern Cape yesterday as part of ongoing efforts to promote road safety.

During her address, Creecy acknowledged the fundamental role taxis play in SA transportation. "We value the taxi industry and value the fact that more than eight out of 10 people are using the industry to get to work, to school," Creecy said.

The minister directly linked speeding behaviour to financial pressure. "We know many of you are paying R18 000, R20 000, R25 000 a month in car instalments. Because of that, you are not making money," Creecy said.

"And the reason that you rush and are driving fast is because you're trying to get in more trips every day so that you can keep up with the repayments."

Creecy outlined three key issues her department is addressing with industry leadership.