RTMC
Traffic authorities across the country impounded hundreds of vehicles following a crackdown on un-roadworthy vehicles transporting learners to schools.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation said over 37,500 vehicles were stopped and checked, noting that provinces where the most vehicles were scrutinised included the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and Kwazulu Natal since schools opened.
Spokesperson, Simon Zwane, said 167 drivers were arrested for among other things drunken driving, driving without a license, and operating a public transport vehicle in violation of permit regulations.
"The campaign has highlighted that many scholar transport drivers were driving without fastening seatbelts, some do not have professional drivers permits, their vehicles were not licenced while other vehicles had defects such as cracked windscreens, smooth tyres, and faulty brakes.
"More than 6 240 were given fines for these vehicles while 965 vehicles were impounded and 291 were suspended from operating.
"The RTMC maintains that the safety of children remains a priority and law enforcement authorities will remain vigilant throughout the year to deal with non-compliant operators," Zwane said.
He also had a message for parents, calling on them to take responsibility to ensure that the transport operators they choose are fit for purpose and licensed to transport their children safely to school.
