The Gauteng Provincial Government’s high-impact stop-and-search operations to strengthen road safety and traffic law enforcement have led the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) to impound and remove from the road unroadworthy vehicles.

The department stated that during the week of May 18 to 24, intensified enforcement operations were conducted across the major metropolitan municipalities of Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg and Tshwane in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).

The department said that during operations, a total of 48 private vehicles were impounded, including 29 in Ekurhuleni and 19 in Tshwane.

The department added that 63 minibus taxis were also discontinued after they were found to have serious mechanical defects.

These included faulty brakes, worn tyres, broken headlights and brake lights, and cracked windscreens, all of which posed significant risks to road users.

“The inspectorate also continued its focus on major public transport corridors throughout the week-long operational cycle,” explained the roads department.

As a result, the following was recorded:

• 138 vehicles were issued with discontinuation notices for non-compliance with road safety regulations;
• More than 200 manual infringement notices were issued; and
• 334 electronic infringement notices were processed through GTI’s e-Force devices.

Other forms of non-compliance recorded during the operations included:

• 67 minibus taxi operators found driving without valid driving licences; and
• 22 minibuses operating without valid licence discs.

In addition to traffic-related offences, the department shared that the operations also targeted broader criminal activities.

According to the department, a total of six arrests were made for offences including driving under the influence (DUI), interference with law enforcement officials, and attempted bribery.

Remarking on weekly results, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, emphasised the department remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring safer roads and restoring order within the public transport sector.

“Vehicle mechanical defects recorded are deeply concerning and continue to place the lives of commuters and other road users at risk. We appeal to motorists and operators to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and safe to drive.

“On the other hand, we commend the work of the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate and various traffic law enforcement agencies involved for their dedication, vigilance, and decisive action in removing unroadworthy vehicles from public roads and apprehending offenders who undermine the rule of law,” said Diale-Tlabela.

Diale-Tlabela further reiterated that the GTI’s operations will continue and form part of a coordinated provincial strategy aimed at curbing lawlessness, combating criminal activity, and improving compliance with traffic legislation, particularly within the public transport sector.

She indicated that sustained enforcement and visible policing remain critical in promoting a culture of accountability and responsible road usage across the province.