The operation resulted in three taxis being suspended: 22 traffic fines or cases issued to the value of R20 300, a total of 99 vehicles stopped and one illegal immigrant arrested by SAPS.
The initiative was the result of a partnership between the Department of Transport and Public Works and the Mossel Bay Municipality.
The operation was conducted through a Vehicle Checkpoint (VCP), where provincial and municipal traffic officials monitored and checked public transport vehicles for legal and safety compliance.
The operation targeted mainly driver fitness, as well as roadworthiness for learner transport vehicles. It forms part of various activities scheduled for October Transport Month (OTM) 2014, which focuses on the Western Cape theme, 'Road Safety for Kids'.
Various operations were conducted during OTM in areas where the conditions under which scholars are being transported to and from school are contrary to those envisaged by the National Land Transport Act (NLTA).
The NLTA requires vehicles to be roadworthy and suitable for the transportation of scholars, as well as for operators to be in possession of the necessary documentation/authority in order to carry out this function.
The department and its partners encourage parents to partner with them in their efforts to protect school children.
Provincial Traffic Chief Kenny Africa says they will continue to conduct similar operations to ensure the safety of children who make use of scholar transport. "We are showing zero tolerance to these drivers for any breach of traffic safety laws," he said.
Parents are encouraged to take practical steps to ensure that their children's transport is safe and reliable, and that the driver has the relevant records and authorisation.
On the day, the department also partnered with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to host an integrated roadblock on the N2 highway between Mossel Bay and George.
Roadworthiness for learner transport vehicles was recently scrutinised at a joint venture between the Department of Transport and Public Works and the Mossel Bay Municipality. Learners travelling with Beverley Smit (middle) of Ivan October Transport are really happy with their ride to and from school daily.
ARTICLE AND PHOTO: NICKEY LE ROUX, MOSSEL BAY JOURNALIST
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