Four Drivers Arrested during Scholar Transport Operation in Woodstock

This morning, Minister of Transport and Public Works, Robin Carlisle, and City of Cape Town Traffic Services officials conducted a Scholar Transport Operation at three schools in Woodstock. Vehicles transporting school children were pulled over and checked for roadworthiness, suitability to transport children and for proper operating documentation. The operation took place at Holy Cross Primary, Mountain Road Primary and Zonnebloem Girls Primary School.

Four drivers were arrested for operating for reward without an operating licence and a total of four vehicles were suspended. The vehicles were suspended for faulty brakes, defective safety belts, roadworthiness, and one had an unsecure driver's seat.

"These operations are absolutely necessary in ensuring that learners are transported safely to and from school. This is particularly important during August, Child Safety Month, when we recall the anniversaries of the Kloof Nek, Buttskop and Rheenendal tragedies. Ensuring that vehicles and drivers are fit to transport children is non-negotiable," said Minister Carlisle.

A total of 11 driver's licence-related fines were issued, seven of which were to drivers without a driver's licence. Five moving offences were recorded for safety belt violations. Ten of the vehicles were found to be unlicensed.

"I urge all parents to be proactive in ensuring they personally meet the driver and check the vehicle transporting their children to and from school. They should be satisfied that these vehicles are safe and that the drivers are licensed and responsible. It was tragic to see that virtually none of the children in the vehicles that were stopped were buckled up. At least 250 children are killed each year in South Africa as a result of negligent adults who don't buckle up children," added Minister Carlisle.