A court ruling to open a gate connecting Bram Fischer Drive with the newly established Randburg traders market will boost business prospects at the market, the City of Johannesburg said on Thursday.

The owners of the Oriental Plaza Shopping Centre in Randburg requested that the access gate connecting Bram Fischer Drive (former HF Verwoerd Drive) and the traders market at the taxi rank remain closed.

The traders complained of the negative impact the closure had on their ability to make a living which prompted the City to give notice to the property owners that the gate would be opened.

The owners then sought an interim order to keep the gate closed pending other litigation.

The City disputed this and the Witwaterstrand High Court agreed, ordering that the gate be opened on November 23.

"The court decision is a victory for our efforts to support the planned and orderly growth of the traders market in Randburg," said the City manager, Mavela Dlamini.

"The closure of the access gate had a negative impact on their business as it forced pedestrians away from the market. These gates will have been opened to allow for the free flow of pedestrian traffic between Bram Fischer and the market."

He said the ruling had important consequences for the City's efforts to rejuvenate the Randburg area.

The traders market was established recently to accommodate small traders in a clean and safe environment with access to essential facilities such as electricity, water, storerooms and toilets.

Sapa