WATCH: Traffic chaos in Delft: Taxis and vehicles filmed driving on pavement and into oncoming traffic
Taxis caught driving on the pavement in early morning traffic.
Image: File
A 58-second video circulating on social media has ignited outrage after showing a convoy of minibus taxis, a trucks and vehicles driving directly on a pavement used by pedestrians, while also travelling into oncoming traffic.
The footage, reportedly filmed in Delft, shows taxis and vehicles leaving their designated lane and moving into the path of approaching vehicles. More alarmingly, several of the vehicles are seen mounting the pavement and continuing to drive along it forcing pedestrians to step aside as the taxis pass.
At one point in the clip, a steady stream of vehicles can be seen following one another along the sidewalk as though it were an extension of the roadway. People walking on the pavement are visibly displaced, with some moving out of the way to avoid the approaching vehicles.
Social media users reacted with anger, though many said the behaviour is not unusual. Commentators claimed it is a near-daily occurrence in parts of Delft and alleged that similar conduct has been witnessed along sections of the N1 and N2.
The City of Cape Town confirmed it is aware of the video. Traffic Services spokesperson Kevin Jacobs said that while the footage is shocking, disregard for the rules of the road and public safety has become increasingly commonplace in certain areas of the city and country.
Jacobs said the City’s Traffic Service had been alerted to the incident. However, in terms of legislation, officers are unable to act on third-party video evidence to retrospectively fine motorists. Traffic officers may only issue fines, impound vehicles or arrest suspects when they witness an offence first-hand or when the contravention is captured by City-operated cameras.
He added that enforcement services are overwhelmed by complaints about reckless and unlawful driving. Common offences reported include driving on the shoulder of the road, creating illegal lanes, travelling into oncoming traffic and driving on pavements.
According to Jacobs, enforcement teams conduct regular patrols to act against violations under national legislation and the City’s Traffic By-law. However, due to extensive demands on limited resources, it is not possible to maintain a permanent presence in any single hotspot.
In Delft, the City’s Transport Enforcement Unit carried out seven interventions over the past 12 months. During these operations, six public transport vehicles were impounded and 1 022 fines were issued for various transgressions.
City-wide, between July and December 2025, Traffic Officers recorded 1 857 942 offences and impounded 5 009 public transport vehicles.