Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has called upon law enforcement agencies to intensify dedicated enforcement operations on public transport vehicles.
The Minister's call follows a horrific bus crash in which 23 people were killed on the N1 highway between De Doorns and Touwsrivier in the Western Cape earlier today, Wednesday, 5 May 2010.
"We wish to convey our condolences to the families and relatives of those killed in this horrific road crash in the Western Cape this morning. We wish those injured a speedy recovery. We have been in contact with Western Cape Transport MEC Robin Carlisle who visited the scene of the crash on behalf of the Transport Family.
Officials from the Road Accident Fund (RAF) have also been dispatched to provide assistance to the families. The Department of Transport has sent a specialist accident investigation and reconstruction team to assist in the investigation of this crash.
"We have instructed law enforcement agencies to intensify dedicated enforcement operations on public transport vehicles, particularly buses. No mercy must be shown to public transport operators and drivers who compromise the safety of passengers.
"We are also calling upon the Labour Federation to ensure that the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, specifically the eight working hours per day rule, is strictly enforced for drivers of public transport vehicles, particularly buses and taxis. Reports that certain bus drivers often drive long distances alone for up to 17 hours at a time, is inhumane and totally unacceptable.
"With 36 days to go to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, safe, efficient and reliable public transport, for South Africans and visitors alike, is a priority. The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) is working in conjunction with the South African Police, the Cross Border Road Transport Agency, provincial and local traffic law enforcement agencies as well as other relevant stakeholders on the implementation of the 2010 World Cup Road Safety Plan.
The Road Safety Plan will ensure appropriate traffic law enforcement on identified routes with high traffic volumes as well as routes leading to and from host cities, airports, hotels, stadia, fan parks, public viewing areas and other places of interest. National, provincial and host city control centres as well as mobile control centres will be in operation during peak traffic flow periods and match days. There will also be high visibility traffic patrols along key routes. Random roadside checks will also be conducted targeting unfit drivers and vehicles. All weighbridges will be manned around the clock, particularly along critical corridors.
"As government, we will not compromise the safety of innocent commuters," said the Minister.
Since 1 January 2010, more than 4 000 vehicles, including more than 1 000 minibus taxis and buses, were removed from roads around the country for being in an unroadworthy condition.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 644 4050
Issued by: Department of Transport
5 May 2010
