Gauteng cracks down on unlicensed public transport drivers
More than 100 unlicensed drivers were flagged during Gauteng Transport Inspectorate operations targeting non-compliant public transport operators across the province.
The Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) has flagged 103 drivers operating without valid driving licences during a province-wide crackdown on public transport non-compliance.
The operations, conducted in partnership with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and other law-enforcement agencies from September 1 to 6, formed part of the #RemoveSkorokoro campaign.
The enforcement targeted high-risk public transport corridors across Gauteng, with inspectors checking roadworthiness, documentation, driver compliance and adherence to regulations.
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A total of 56 minibuses were found operating without valid licence discs, while 17 minibus taxis were discontinued after being found unroadworthy.
Inspectors identified safety defects including faulty braking systems, worn tyres, non-functioning headlights and brake lights, faulty indicators and other mechanical problems that made the vehicles unsafe for public roads.
The operations also resulted in 809 handwritten Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act (AARTO) infringement notices and 1 278 electronic notices being issued.
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela welcomed the enforcement efforts, saying unlicensed drivers in the public transport sector put commuters and other road users at unnecessary risk.
She said the GTI, together with the RTMC and other law-enforcement agencies, would continue intensifying operations to improve compliance and promote safer roads and public transport across Gauteng.
