GTI crackdown nets 103 unlicensed drivers in Gauteng
The GTI conducted operations across the province where drivers were found with no licences and unroadworthy vehicles with applause from Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela.
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has welcomed the latest results of enforcement efforts by the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI), noting that sustained law enforcement operations remain critical to improving regulatory compliance, combating lawlessness, and protecting road users across the province.
The roads department stated that the GTI, in partnership with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and other law-enforcement agencies, continued to conduct high-impact enforcement operations across major metropolitan municipalities in Gauteng under the #RemoveSkorokoro campaign.
According to the department, GTI operations conducted between September 1 and 6 focused on high-risk public transport corridors, with particular attention on roadworthiness, valid documentation, and driver and regulatory compliance.
The department said that during the reporting period, inspectors identified continued noncompliance among public transport operators and drivers.
A total of 56 minibuses were found operating without valid licence discs, while 103 drivers were found without valid driving licences.
The department added that 17 minibus taxis were withdrawn after being found unroadworthy, posing a safety risk to passengers and other road users.
“Inspectors flagged critical safety issues, including defective braking systems, worn tyres, non-functional headlights and brake lights, faulty indicators, and other mechanical faults that rendered the vehicles unsafe for use on public roads,” said the roads department.
The department shared that GTI officers issued a total of 809 handwritten AARTO infringement notices across the province. These comprised 247 in Ekurhuleni, 39 in Tshwane, 30 in Mogale City, and 493 in Johannesburg.
The department said it processed an additional 1,278 electronic infringement notices through the Inspectorate’s e-Force devices. These included 355 in Ekurhuleni, 21 in Tshwane, 23 in Mogale City and 879 in Johannesburg.
The roads department said that the latest enforcement operations also resulted in 23 discontinuation notices being issued. These comprised one in Ekurhuleni, three in Mogale City and 19 in Johannesburg.
Remarking on the results, Diale-Tlabela said the continued operation of incompetent and unlicensed drivers in the public transport sector, in particular, cannot be tolerated, as they convey passengers on public roads.
“The sustained flagging of unlicensed drivers in the public transport sector continues to put commuters and other road users at unnecessary risk. We reiterate that this is unacceptable and compromises the province’s road safety efforts. GTI officers will continue to take firm action against those who disregard the law, without fear or favour,” warned the MEC.
She added that engagements with the minibus taxi industry are continuing to find a lasting solution and stop the trend.
“The GTI, in collaboration with the RTMC and other law-enforcement agencies, will continue to intensify enforcement operations, improve compliance and contribute towards safer roads and a safer public transport system in the province,” said Diale-Tlabela.
The department explained that the latest results are part of its ongoing efforts to ensure motorists and public transport operators comply with road traffic legislation and that unsafe vehicles and unlicensed drivers are removed from public roads.
