Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has again called on public transport operators to provide relief drivers for long-distance trips.
The Minister’s call follows the death of ten (10) Zion Christian Church (ZCC) members, who were killed when a bus overturned on the N1 highway in Polokwane last night (Sunday, 6 November 2011).
According to Limpopo transport officials, the bus driver lost control of the vehicle and it hit a barrier and overturned. Witnesses reportedly said the driver had fallen asleep.
"We want to convey condolences to the families of those killed in the bus crash in Limpopo yesterday (6 November), and wish those injured a speedy recovery. Officials from the Road Accident Fund (RAF) are providing assistance to the affected families.
"Fatigue may have yet again been a contributory factor to this horrific road crash. We are therefore repeating our calls for all public transport operators to ensure that no long-distance trip is undertaken without a relief driver, particularly as we head towards the December holidays. Drivers of public transport vehicles, especially buses and taxis, cannot be expected to drive hundreds of kilometres for several hours without a relief driver on board, when fatigue is a major contributory factor to road crashes. Public transport employers have a duty to ensure the safety of their workers and customers,” said the Minister.
Meanwhile, Minister Ndebele, road safety experts and other stakeholders will launch the IMPERIAL Holdings I-Pledge road safety campaign tomorrow (8 November). IMPERIAL is a major road user in southern Africa with its sheer size and geographic footprint putting the group in a great position to make a difference.
IMPERIAL has engaged with numerous stakeholders in the road, transport and safety arenas. Most recently, IMPERIAL joined hands with the Department of Transport as a Friend of the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020.
Further, more than 6 000 un-roadworthy passenger and freight vehicles were taken off South Africa’s roads last month. As part of October Transport Month, 6 336 un-roadworthy public transport and freight vehicles were taken off the roads, with the majority of 1 821 buses, mini-buses and trucks removed in the Mpumalanga province.
More than 46 402 fines were issued to public transport and freight drivers, and 1 460 public transport and truck drivers arrested including 196 for drunk driving, 25 for excessive speed, eight for reckless and/or negligent driving, 877 for overloading, 73 for false documents and 281 for other offences.
Over the past two months (September and October 2011), more than 2 600 public transport drivers have been arrested across the country as part of pre-December holiday traffic law enforcement operations and following Minister Ndebele's instruction that every bus and taxi must be stopped and checked.
From 31 August to 30 October 2011, 623 469 public transport vehicles were stopped and checked; 3 190 mini-buses, 1 868 buses and 2 682 trucks discontinued from use for being in an un-roadworthy condition; 93 945 fines issued for various public transport offences; more than 2 653 public transport drivers arrested including 371 for drunk driving, 1 947 for overloading, 91 for excessive speed, 28 for reckless and/or negligent driving and 154 in connection with public transport permits.
As part of the new National Rolling Enforcement Plan (NREP) announced by Minister Ndebele on 10 September 2010, from October 2010 to September 2011, 14,017,190 vehicles and drivers were checked, 5 978 981 fines issued for various traffic offences, 19 780 drunk drivers arrested and 53 341 un-roadworthy vehicles (the majority of which are buses and taxis) discontinued from use.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050
