Free State Traffic officers have impounded seven buses this afternoon for permits violation and vehicle fitness on the N1 road. Of these, three buses belong to Intercape Bus lines and four to Eldo Coaches.
We have noticed that some bus operators find this time of the year an appropriate time to make more money which is why they add more buses to the existing fleet to cope with passenger demand. Some operators allow their drivers to drive defective vehicles and vehicles without proper documents such as operating licences and road worthy certificates. This kind of behavior is not acceptable as it puts the lives of passengers in danger.
The MEC for Police, Roads and Transport has instructed law enforcement officers to take tough action against operators or drivers who flout road rules and passenger safety regulations.
The department will release impounded buses only when operators pay fine of R2 200.00 for first offence and rectify all identified problems on the vehicles.
Meanwhile two speedsters have been arrested on the N8 and N1 for doing 198km/p and 182km/p respectively. The two speedsters will appear in court on Monday.
The Department of Police, Roads and Transport in the Free State will continue to pursue public Transport and drivers in general to ensure that un-road worthy vehicles and reckless drivers are removed permanently from our roads.
Enquiries:
Saki Mohono
Cell: 082 385 5600
Note: Intercape has since wrote to GCIS saying that the busses from their company were in fact roadworthy and have not violated their permit conditions. The buses were allowed to travel to their destinations after a senior official verified their documents.
