Note to broadcasters: Please find attached an audio clip by MPP Derrick America
Following through on its commitment to ensure safer learner transportation in the Western Cape, a written question has revealed that the DA-run Western Cape Government and the City of Cape Town have made 1040 arrests, issued 371,040 fines, and impounded 5354 unsafe public transport vehicles over the past five years. These numbers are all concerning public transport operators. See the breakdown here.
This means that more unsafe public transport operators are off our roads, and more importantly, children make use of legal and roadworthy vehicles to get to school and back.
The Western Cape Mobility Department has been working closely with the Department of Education to effectively deal with the transport of learners across the province. As part of the arrangements, the aim is to ensure that private service providers operate legally according to current legislative requirements in the National Land Transport Act by obtaining an operating license and in terms of the National Road Traffic Act, ensuring driver and vehicle fitness requirements.
Provincial Traffic Services continuously conduct regular mandatory operations across the province to ensure driver and vehicle fitness, regulating compliance in terms of:
• Validity of operating licenses
• Driving Licenses
• PRDP (Professional Driving Permit)
• Passenger overload control
• Roadworthiness of motor vehicles
MPP Derrick America said: “Following the devastating loss of five children in a tragic car accident in Mitchells Plain last year, the Western Cape Government, under the leadership of the DA, has intensified its campaign to crack down on unroadworthy public transport operators. Over the past year, there has been a significant increase in the number of arrests, fines, and vehicle impoundments.
We urge both the Western Cape Government and the City of Cape Town to continue their efforts in enforcing regulations and penalizing violators. Ensuring the safety of our children during their commute to school must remain a top priority, and continued vigilance and enforcement are paramount in achieving this goal.”