The association was launched on 22 November in the populous township where scores of parents were educated on the need to maximise security of their children.
Spokesman of the association, Elias Molepo, told Fourways Review that taxis carrying children to school were compelled to be extra careful in order to protect children.
Molepo said all the drivers who drive children to school must have a professional driving permit.
He also warned that children must not wait on the streets for transport, but have to be picked up from home and dropped at school.
“These taxis pick children from home and drop them at schools. After school, we pick them up again and drop children at home,” said Molepo in a sideway interview during the children safety workshop.
Molepo said his association was providing special taxis which were specifically registered to carry children.
Transporters are challenged to:
- Join associations
- Communicate with parents if they are running late
- Screen drivers and not employ people with a criminal record
- Keep personal informal information about the drivers and their home address
- Make sure the vehicles are roadworthy and that the driver has a professional drivers permit licence
- Make sure drivers have defensive driving skills or an advanced driving licence
- Invite drivers to attend the next meeting next year as if they are affected by the concerns raised.
Parents are challenged to:
- Ask to see the personal details of the driver
- Ask if the driver has any health problems
- Pay transporters on time
- Make sure children are on time to avoid the driver having to make up for lost time by speeding
- Desist from the habit of asking the driver to take a sick child to school
- Know where your child is all the time
- Call the driver to ask if the he or she is late
- Know the route the driver takes
- Know which association vehicles belongs to
- Do not share financial or travel plans in detail with children, as criminal-minded drivers could commit crime at your home based on what he overheard your child saying.
Drivers are challenged to:
- Drive safely and not speed
- Not play loud music as it may lead to hearing impairments and children fail to concentrate at school after being exposed to booming music
- Collect and return children on time
- Relate well with clients and show respect
- Look presentable and have good personal hygiene
- Obey rules of the road as it is unlawful for a driver to let children out of the car next to the road, as they may be hit by oncoming traffic.
Diepsloot Learners Transport Association has a patrol vehicle and a disciplinary and grievance team to address complaints.
Details: Brian Govender 074 875 8624 or Christina Madigoe 072 676 1105.
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