The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport is intensifying its road safety rules following a horrific accident in the Vaal.

The action follows after 12 school children tragically lost their lives while being transported to school in a Toyota Quantum when it collided with a truck.

Speaking on Tuesday, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said the department would take a firm stance against any conduct that endangers the lives of learners.

“We will not compromise when it comes to the safety of our children. Any scholar transport operator who puts learners at risk will face serious consequences,” warned Diale-Tlabela.

To make the roads safer, the department is using new technology and tighter compliance with the National Road Traffic Act (NRTA) and the National Land Transport Act.

They are also developing an updated online library of road traffic regulations. This initiative aims to ensure that road users are well informed about their rights and responsibilities, while also supporting more effective enforcement.

Diale-Tlabela reminded that road safety is a shared responsibility and requires co-operation from all sectors of society. She called on parents, drivers, and pedestrians to work together to ensure everyone “arrives alive.”

As part of its ongoing road safety campaign, the department will strictly enforce Section 49 of the NRTA, which places a legal duty on motor vehicle operators to ensure that vehicles are roadworthy and mechanically safe, drivers operate vehicles lawfully and responsibly, passengers are transported without endangerment, and that the safe loading and unloading of passengers is prioritised.

The campaign forms part of Gauteng’s contribution to the national Department of Transport’s 365 Day Road Safety and Arrive Alive programmes.

The department encourages parents, learners, and motorists to report reckless driving, unsafe behaviour, and unroadworthy scholar transport vehicles through lawful channels on 012 999 5407 or 086 140 0800.