Since 1 December, as part of the Festive Season Arrive Alive Road Safety Campaign, more than 700 public transport vehicles, including 400 buses and 250 taxis, have been removed from the country’s roads.
On Monday 21 December evening, on the N2 near Sezela in KwaZulu-Natal, the driver of a mini-bus taxi was arrested for travelling at 155 kilometres per hour. He was detained at the Scottburgh SAPS. He appeared in the Scottburgh Magistrates Court yesterday 22 December where his case was remanded until February 2010 and he was released on R3 000 bail.
Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has warned public transport operators that dedicated law enforcement operations targeting specifically public transport vehicles, particularly buses and taxis, will be intensified.
“An extra number of long-distance bus and taxi trips are undertaken during this time of year. Law enforcement officers will be intensifying operations on public transport vehicles, particularly buses and taxis, over the coming days. Those vehicles found to be un-roadworthy will be taken off the roads. Public transport operators and drivers have a responsibility to protect the lives of commuters and should not be only interested in making money.
“Despite our continuous warnings, motorists are still displaying a blatant disregard for the law. Therefore, traffic law enforcement will be stepped up in the next few days. No mercy will be shown to motorists who break the law, said the minister.
From 1 to 20 December, more than 450 000 vehicles and drivers have been stopped and checked, as part of the Festive Season Arrive Alive Road Safety Campaign. No less than one million vehicles and drivers will be stopped between December and January.
Since 1 December, more than 250 000 motorists were fined for speeding. More than 2 500 drunk drivers have been arrested. More than 150 motorists have been arrested for reckless and negligent driving. Thousands of drivers were also fined for non-wearing of seatbelts and other offences.
Road safety is everybody’s responsibility. All road users are encouraged to report bad driving on 0861 400 800.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 644 4050
Issued by: Department of Transport
23 December 2009
