Fifteen scholar transport busses were discontinued and impounded by officers from the North West Road Traffic Management authorities. The busses were impounded during a Zero Tolerance National Rolling Enforcement Plan operation after failing roadworthy tests on Monday.
Among some of the mechanical faults detected during roadworthy tests were that the buses had defective steering mechanism, dysfunctional brakes, loose tie rod ends, loose seats, worn out kingpins, centre bolts, stabilisers and tyres.
North West MEC for Human Settlements, Public Safety and Liaison, Ms Desbo Mohono who inspected the impounded buses at the Lichtenburg Traffic office on Tuesday morning, has vowed that the busses will only be allowed back on the road when they are roadworthy as they pose a danger to the lives of not only the learners but all other road users.
According to formal written contracts signed between the provincial Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport and 93 service providers appointed on a five-year contract, operators were compelled to subject their vehicles for a roadworthy test within 14 days after signing the contract and every six months thereafter.
The contract period for the appointed service providers commenced on 1 October 2010 and ends on 30 November 2015.
The impounding of the vehicles follows failure by the operators to submit their vehicles for roadworthy tests.
Meanwhile, MEC Mohono has sought an urgent intervention meeting with her counterparts in the provincial departments of Public Works, Roads and Transport, and Education to explore interim measures to alleviate the plight of learners from farming communities around Lichtenburg, Coligny and Koster.
MEC Mohono has urged transport operators to ensure that their vehicles are repaired within the shortest time possible and submitted a free roadworthiness test so as to lessen inconvenience to learners.
The Provincial Road Safety Management Unit embarks on an annual campaign during March to test busses in partnership with public transport operators. The objective of the campaign conducted ahead of the Easter holidays and church pilgrimages is to ensure passenger safety and reduction of accidents involving busses.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 381 9171
Fax: 018 381 9123
Cell: 083 629 1987
E-mail: Lkgwele@nwpg.gov.za
