More than 60 taxis taken off Gauteng roads during enforcement blitz
Traffic police targeted high-risk transport corridors, uncovering unroadworthy vehicles, unlicensed drivers and drunk motorists.
The Gauteng Provincial Government’s efforts to strengthen road safety and law enforcement continued through high-impact stop-and-search operations led by the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) in collaboration with officers from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).
The GTI operations form part of a coordinated strategy to increase visibility, tackle lawlessness, combat criminal activity and improve compliance with traffic legislation, particularly within the public transport sector.
During the week of March 1 to 8, intensified enforcement operations were conducted across several cities, including Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane. These operations specifically targeted major public and scholar transport corridors identified as high-risk areas.
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The operations led to several enforcement actions:
• GTI officers discontinued 66 minibus taxis, with five impounded for failing to meet essential road safety requirements
• An additional 95 private vehicles were also issued with discontinue notices
• Officers identified several mechanical defects that posed serious risks to road users. These included faulty braking systems, worn tyres, broken headlights, defective brake lights or indicators, and cracked windscreens
In addition, infringement notices were issued to non-compliant public transport operators:
• More than 1 000 manual infringement notices were issued
• 1 308 electronic infringement notices were processed using the Inspectorate’s advanced e-Force devices
Various forms of non-compliance were also detected during the operations, including:
• 289 minibus taxi operators found driving without valid licences.
• 139 minibuses operating without valid licence discs.
• GTI officers also dealt with several serious offences during the operations, resulting in 11 arrests:
• 10 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI).
• One driver was arrested for reckless and negligent driving.
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela commended the Inspectorate for its consistent and proactive enforcement efforts. However, she also expressed disappointment with individuals who continue to break the law and disregard road safety.
“The work of the GTI must be commended and serves as a demonstration of our unwavering commitment to safer roads and accountable public transport operations. We will continue to intensify enforcement to ensure that vehicles operating on our public roads are roadworthy and that operators fully comply with traffic laws,” she said.
The MEC reiterated that the safety of all road users remains the provincial government’s top priority.
She added that the Inspectorate’s stop-and-search operations will remain a key pillar of the province’s road safety and law enforcement programme.
“Through sustained visibility and decisive action, the Department continues to reinforce the message that lawlessness on Gauteng’s roads will not be tolerated,” she said.
