New regulations for public transport operators
The Department of Transport, Safety, Security and Liaison is encouraging all public transport to operate with the National Transport Act 05 of 2009 under Transport Operations (Passengers Transport Act 1994).
Operators who fail to do so will face imprisonment or a fine of R5 000.
The regulation states the standard of compliance for every public transport; the distinguishing colour must be white in colour with a marking of a South African Flag, name and address of the owner only.
Principal Provincial Officer, Jeffrey Malatji said that some of the challenges faced by traffic officers are that motorists tend to perceive Traffic officers negatively when they tell them about unlawful act of stickers or advertisements on these taxi-type services.
The upcoming elections also play a role as many taxi-type services have been branded with political advertisements. “The Regulation says that no translucent advertising shall be applied to on rear window of a minibus or midibus unless the material complies with the provision of National Road Traffic Regulations,” he added.
Failure to comply with this is an offence, if found guilty of an offence, the operator will be convicted, or pay a fine not exceeding R5 000. In other cases the taxi may even be taken off the road.
Traffic Station Commander, Vicky Khumalo, said that when motorists have to do a permit they abide by the rules, however after they receive the permit, they change. Khumalo stressed that the safety and well being of commuters is a priority and as administrators they aim to make sure that rules and regulations are implemented. “Public transportation vehicles must not play loud music, or in any way have tinted windows. When these taxis come to the Department they don’t have sound systems but once the permit is issued it is a different story,” he said.
The Traffic Department also warns motorists travelling on the R71, especially on the Gravelotte road that leads to Phalaborwa and R36 Lydenburg road, of heavy loads trucks that are carrying sand, concrete and/ or bricks.
Recently the Tzaneen Department has been alarmed by motorists who have lodged complaints about these trucks that caused serious damage to their windscreens.
In some cases the sand or concrete fell off the truck and damaged the oncoming car’s windscreen. Unfortunately many of these drivers are not apprehended because the victims were caught off guard and didn’t manage to take note of the truck’s number plate.
Drivers are advised to be cautious when driving next to trucks especially on gravel roads and tar roads where there are potholes.
