The Gauteng Traffic Police of the Department of Community safety today discontinued 153 of the 164 learner transport vehicles tested at Temba Testing Centre, Hammanskraal, Pretoria. All the vehicles discontinued had severe mechanical defects ranging from brake failure, steering mechanism, worn out tyres and schoks. In order to resume operation, all vehicle defects must be corrected and the vehicle subjected to roadworthy test.
Shocked at these findings, the spokesperson for Gauteng Traffic Police Busaphi Nxumalo recommitted efforts to rid out unroadworthy vehicles on our roads. “It is a call for concern that school kids are subjected to these unsafe modes of transport. These vehicles are not only a danger to learners but other road users as well” said Busaphi Nxumalo.
This comes as a result of ongoing project the MEC for Community Safety MEC Mazibuko prioritised for the 2011 financial year.
In another incident a bakkie was also taken off the road in Pretoria for overloading. While the bakkie was on its route to Malawi reaching Pretoria, a tyre busts occurs with a load of 2.5 high instead of 1.5 high as a prescribed by the Road Traffic Act. The bakkie has since been impounded and will only be released once alternative transport is arranged in the form of towing truck is used.
Media contact person:
AB Nxumalo
Tel: 011 689 3600
Cell: 083 413 0320/084 805 2549
