Taxi flips on Kloof Road: A cautionary tale of illegal overtaking

A taxi overturned on a stretch of Kloof Road in Camps Bay on Tuesday, January 7, after the driver attempted to overtake a truck by crossing a solid barrier line into oncoming traffic.

According to City of Cape Town Metro Police Chief Wayne Le Roux, the incident occurred at around 10am on Tuesday when the taxi driver moved into the oncoming lane while approaching a bend in the road.

“The taxi overtook a truck by crossing a solid barrier line into oncoming traffic. At the bend, the driver swerved to avoid another vehicle, lost control, and the taxi flipped before colliding with a lamp pole, where it came to a complete stop," said Mr Le Roux

At the time of the incident, the driver was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

No passengers were being transported, and no serious injuries were reported. The driver sustained only minor injuries and did not require hospitalisation, he said.

Metro Police confirmed that the driver was fined R3,500 for overtaking on a solid line, an offence considered particularly dangerous on winding roads such as Kloof Road, which is known for limited visibility and sharp bends.

Mr Le Roux urged motorists to exercise caution, especially on high-risk routes.

“Solid lines are there for a reason. Ignoring road markings puts not only the driver at risk, but also other road users who may be travelling in the opposite direction,” he said.

Traffic was briefly affected while officers attended to the scene and cleared the overturned vehicle.

The taxi is affiliated to the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA).

Spokesperson Nkululeko Sityebi said on Tuesday, January 7, that he was in the Eastern Cape. While the CATA offices remain closed until Wednesday, January 24, he couldn't respond to any questions.