Operation results in vehicle impoundments and arrests
Gauteng Transport Inspectorate continues to enforce the law on road users through operations held across the province, with the MEC giving support to the law enforcement agencies.
Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has reiterated that Gauteng Transport Inspectorate’s (GTI) stop-and-search enforcement operations serve to demonstrate the province’s commitment to removing unsafe vehicles from public roads and holding non-compliant drivers and operators accountable.
This follows GTI’s province-wide operations, in collaboration with officers from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and other law enforcement agencies, targeting high-risk public transport corridors, focusing on vehicle roadworthiness, valid documentation and compliance with driver and operator regulations.
The stop-and-search and high-impact operations are conducted under the #RemoveSkorokoro campaign aimed at strengthening road safety and regulatory compliance through across Gauteng.
Between November 1 and 8, officers netted 57 minibus taxis operating without licence discs and 63 drivers without valid driving licences. Officers also discontinued 21 minibus taxis after being found to be unroadworthy and posing safety risks to passengers and other road users.
These had defective brakes, worn tyres, and faulty lights amongst others. A further 16 vehicles were impounded during the operations.
To improve visibility and strengthen accountability, GTI officers issued 727 handwritten Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) infringement notices across the province.
These included 77 in Tshwane, 321 in Ekurhuleni, 246 in Johannesburg and 83 in the greater Sedibeng area.
An additional 874 electronic infringement notices were processed through the Inspectorate’s e-Force devices. City of Tshwane recorded 51, City of Johannesburg had 392, 346 were processed in the City of Ekurhuleni, whilst Sedibeng had 85.
The operations also resulted in 47 discontinuation notices being issued: three in Tshwane, nine in Johannesburg, 25 in Ekurhuleni and ten in Sedibeng. Officers also arrested five during the reporting period, four for driving under the influence (DUI) and one for attempted bribery.
Commenting on the results, MEC Diale-Tlabela highlighted the Department’s unwavering commitment to the removal of unsafe and unroadworthy vehicles from public roads and holding non-compliant drivers and operators accountable.
“Road safety cannot be compromised. Public transport vehicles must meet the minimum safety standards, and drivers must have requisite licences to operate. Our commitment to improve visibility, enhance enforcement efforts and work with the public transport industry is unwavering. This to ensure that passengers are transported safely and that all road users are protected,” added the MEC.
The department will continue engagements with various law enforcement agencies and public transport operators, particularly the minibus taxi industry, to address non-compliance, improve operator accountability and promote safer public transport.
The stop-and-search operations form part of the department’s ongoing efforts to ensure that public transport operators and motorists comply with applicable road traffic and transport legislation.
