GTI continues operations on Gauteng roads to enforce law
The operations by GTI have been commended by the Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, and road users have been warned to obey the law.
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has applauded the efforts of the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) officers for continued dedication and professionalism in enforcing traffic and public transport laws across the province.
The commendation follows stepped-up stop-and-search operations conducted by GTI officers, in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), across Gauteng’s major metropolitan municipalities as part of the department’s ongoing #RemoveSkorokoro campaign.
Between October 9 and 25, GTI conducted targeted enforcement operations along major public transport corridors, focusing on roadworthiness, valid documentation, driver compliance and adherence to road traffic and public transport legislation.
As part of week-long operations, 25 minibuses were discontinued after being found to be unroadworthy and posing a serious risk to passengers and other road users.
These are vehicles found with a range of serious safety defects, including defective braking systems, severely worn tyres, faulty indicators, cracked windscreens, engine-related defects and related mechanical faults that rendered the vehicles unsafe for use on public roads.
Stop and search operations also resulted in 26 discontinuation notices being issued across the province –11 in Johannesburg, 10 in Tshwane and five in Ekurhuleni.
GTI officers further uncovered concerning levels of non-compliance among minibus taxi operators. A total of 57 minibus taxis were found operating without valid licence discs, while 150 operators were found driving without valid licences.
The operations also recorded ten arrests, including seven for driving under the influence (DUI) and two and one for attempted fraud and bribery respectively. This further highlights the Inspectorate’s resolve to tackle traffic violations and criminal conduct that places the lives of road users at risk.
Officers further issued over 900 handwritten AARTO infringement notices during the week. These comprised 416 in Tshwane, 424 in Johannesburg, 149 in Ekurhuleni and three in the Sedibeng District.
A further 889 electronic infringement notices were processed through the Inspectorate’s e-Force devices.
These comprised 375 in Tshwane, 417 in Johannesburg, 3 in Ekurhuleni and 36 in the greater Sedibeng area.
Commenting on the results, Diale-Tlabela sounded an alarm on drivers who continue operating without valid driving licences as requiring sustained intervention and closer cooperation.
“It is deeply concerning that officers continue to encounter drivers who take chances and operate without valid driving licences. We are working to strengthen interventions and ensure this practice is stopped.
Driving without a valid licence is a criminal act, punishable by a fine or imprisonment.
“Fines, infringement and discontinuation notices are not merely enforcement measures; they are necessary and key interventions to protect commuters and all road users,” warned the MEC.
