The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport is clamping down on unroadworthy and illegal vehicles in a bid to restore law and order to provincial roads, the department said in a statement on Thursday.
The department said its Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) had this week impounded over 16 vehicles for offences, including illegal operations and failing roadworthy inspections.
“We will not allow lawlessness, illegal operations and unroadworthy vehicles to put commuters’ lives at risk. Our law enforcement teams are on the ground to ensure peace and enforce compliance and lawful operations at all times,” said MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela.
“The safety and rights of our commuters are non-negotiable,” she said.
Diale-Tlabela condemned reports of alleged intimidation or coercion of commuters and private vehicle owners by other public transport operators during a strike in Ekurhuleni this week.
“Any form of bullying or coercion on our roads is unacceptable. Our officers are actively intervening to protect the public and uphold peace,” she said.
Diale-Tlabela added that commuters’ constitutional right to choose their preferred mode of transport was fully protected.
In January, the department established the Public Transport Crisis Committee, chaired by the MEC, which meets with stakeholders in the taxi, bus, e-hailing and school transport sectors every Friday.
“We are bringing all industry stakeholders under one roof to ensure that operations comply with the law and that commuters are treated fairly,” she said.
Diale-Tlabela also warned public transport users against making use of unregistered e-hailing operations and encouraged commuters to use recognised, legal and known platforms.
“Law enforcement has been deployed in areas where illegal practices have been reported. Gauteng residents deserve a safe, reliable, and lawful transport system. We are committed to ensuring that every commuter can travel without any form of fear or intimidation,” Diale-Tlabela said.
