Scholar and public transport targeted in Gauteng road safety operations
Hundreds of unsafe vehicles were removed from Gauteng roads as authorities stepped up efforts to protect commuters and learners.
The Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI), working alongside the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), continues to record positive enforcement results through co-ordinated stop-and-search operations across the province aimed at curbing lawlessness, criminal activity and non-compliance with traffic laws.
During January, the department’s head of communications, Melitah Madiba, revealed that intensified enforcement operations were carried out along key transport corridors in Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane. Madiba said these operations focused on major public and scholar transport routes identified as high-risk.
Madiba said 148 vehicles were impounded during the month – 46 in Tshwane, 41 in Johannesburg and 61 in Ekurhuleni.
“In addition, 259 minibus taxis were taken off the road after failing to meet roadworthiness requirements,” Madiba explained.
Additionally, officers identified several critical defects, including faulty braking systems, worn tyres, non-functioning headlights, brake lights, and indicators, as well as cracked windscreens.
“These defects pose a serious risk to passengers and other road users,” Madiba said.
Arrests and infringements issued
The department revealed that more than 2 600 manual infringement notices and 3 255 electronic infringement notices were issued. Among these were 372 minibus taxi drivers found to be operating without valid driving licenses and 456 minibuses operating without valid license discs.
Over 70 arrests were made. These included 59 arrests for driving under the influence, five for fraud, four for bribery and possession of fraudulent documents, three for immigration-related offences, one for illegal possession of ammunition and one for reckless and negligent driving.
MEC warns against non-compliance
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela added that the impoundment of illegal and unroadworthy vehicles sends a clear message that non-compliance will not be tolerated.
“We are removing dangerous vehicles from our roads to protect lives. Compliance with the law is not optional, and those who endanger road users through negligence, corruption or criminal behaviour will be met with decisive action,” she said.
Discontinuing unroadworthy vehicles remains a critical step in preventing road crashes, injuries and fatalities, particularly within the public and scholar transport sector.
Parents, guardians and community members are urged to report reckless driving or unsafe scholar transport vehicles to the Gauteng Traffic Inspectorate on 0800 428 8364.
