MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Mossel Bay Municipality has voiced concerns on a number of issues regarding transportation of passengers.

Motorists should note that, for the sake of safety, transporting passengers on the back of a bakkie is governed by strict regulations to which they should adhere.

Also, when transporting passengers, motorists should be extra careful and strictly obey the speed limit.

Motorists may not transport people and goods in the same compartment unless it is separated by a partition.

Nobody may transport people on the back of a bakkie or a truck unless the portion of the vehicle is enclosed to a height of at least 350mm above the surface when the passengers are seated, or at least 900mm when the passengers are standing.

It is important to note that no one may be transported on the back of a bakkie if the flap of the bakkie has been removed or not closed properly.

If the vehicle has been fitted with railings, people may only be transported on the back of it if the railings extend around all three sides.

If the railing does not enclose the back end of the bakkie, the vehicle may not be used to carry passengers.

It is not only extremely dangerous but also illegal for passengers to be travelling with their legs dangling over the edge of the back of the bakkie.

Residents are warned not to walk or cycle on the N2 national road. Motorists may not stop their vehicles on the N2 to pick up or drop off passengers. Transgressors can expect a hefty fine of R1 500. Employers or other people giving workers a lift to work should take the time and trouble to go into the residential areas to collect their passengers.

Many concerns have been raised about motorists travelling at speed along the Jonkersberg road and the many steep up and downhills in the greater Mossel Bay area. The municipality appeals to motorists to keep to the speed limit at all times, also for the sake of pedestrians using the roads.

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