As part of the national rolling enforcement plan for the Easter Holidays, the Gauteng Provincial Traffic Police, together with the Road Traffic Management Corporation, today randomly tested 67 public passenger transport vehicles at the Langlaagte Testing Station in Johannesburg.
Of the 67 buses, 22 commuter buses and 45 minibus taxis were found to be un-roadworthy and discontinued from service. This brings to more than a thousand vehicles, nationwide, that have been removed for unroadworthiness from 1 March 2010 when the campaign began.
Buses belonging to Public Utility Transport Corporation (PUTCO), City-to-City and Mgqibelo Bus Service were among those that were tested and discontinued for various vehicle fitness issues such as worn tyres, poor brakes and faulty steering wheel racks. Some had no permits or had permits that had expired.
“It is absolutely shocking that operators would think of transporting our vulnerable road users in vehicles that are patently dangerous. A bus with faulty brakes and/ or worn tyres is a potential coffin on wheels. We will not allow such vehicles on the roads. It should be on the conscience of every owner, operator and driver that the safe conveyance of passengers should never be compromised”, said Mr Collins Letsoalo, Acting Chief Execute Officer (CEO) of the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).
Passengers travelling on various modes of public transport vehicles are advised to be vigilant about driver and vehicle fitness. They are urged to choose operators with a sound safety record. “A cheap operator is generally cutting corners by not servicing his vehicles regularly, overloading the vehicle and also not observing the recommended driving hours for his drivers. One un-roadworthy vehicle is one too many,” added Mr Letsoalo.
Passengers should also ensure that long distance drivers are having regular rest stops and whilst en route should not unnecessarily distract the driver. Alcohol and driving do not mix, more-so in passenger transport vehicles where the maximum blood alcohol limit is 0,02 for professional drivers. Traffic authorities around the country have been instructed to arrest any driver found driving under the influence of alcohol.
The RTMC has also advised motorists towing trailers to ensure that they are not overloaded and that they are in a roadworthy condition. An overloaded trailer affects the ride and handling of the vehicle and can lead to serious crashes.
Motorists are urged to report bad driving to 0861 400 800.
Enquiries:
Mr Ashref Ismail
Cell: 071 680 3448
Issues by: Road Traffic Management Corporation
31 March 2010
