Buffalo City traffic officers arrested two taxi drivers this week for overloading their vehicles with children from schools around East London.
Metro spokesperson, Samkelo Ngwenya, says the vehicles were impounded and tested for roadworthiness after the repeat offenders were arrested on the spot on Tuesday and Wednesday morning.
A roadblock operation at the R102/Nahoon Dam resulted in the prosecution of five drivers. The city shared videos showing 27 learners crammed into one vehicle and 25 in the second minibus.
Ngwenya says a senior traffic officer opened a docket at the NU 1 police station in Mdantsane.
He said, “Four other Quantums were fined for overloading on the same R102 route, with one again carrying 26 passengers. A case has been opened.”
He says that in just two days, nine taxis have been caught overloading.
Ngwenya commended the officers for being vigilant, saying their actions saved lives.
“One can only imagine what happens to children that are packed like sardines during an accident. It is extremely risky and reckless to overload like that.”
He suspected parents were unaware that their children were being crammed into taxis but urged them to take responsibility for their children’s safety.
“The Metro advises parents, who opt to have their kids commuting via public transport instead of private contracts, to be hands-on.”
Meanwhile, BCM Traffic Commander Quinton Chetty warned that those who overload will face the full force of the law.
“Overloading is not only illegal, but it also puts lives at risk. The excess weight can negatively impact the vehicle’s ability to brake, adding strain on the car suspension and tyres, which can cause accidents.”
The Metro is urging parents and teachers to be on high alert and report incidents of excessive overloading.
