Five Drivers Arrested and Eight Vehicles Suspended at Scholar Transport Operation | Western Cape Government

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Five Drivers Arrested and Eight Vehicles Suspended at Scholar Transport Operation

29 August 2012

On 30 August 2012, Minister of Transport and Public Works, Robin Carlisle, Minister of Education, Donald Grant, City of Cape Town Traffic Services and the Safely Home team conducted a scholar transport operation at three schools in Mitchell's Plain. The operation took place at the Springdale, West-End and Jamaica Primary Schools in Merrydale Avenue. Vehicles were stopped and checked for roadworthiness, appropriate documentation and suitability to operate as scholar transport.

Five drivers were arrested for operating for reward without the appropriate operating licence and a total of eight vehicles were suspended. Vehicles were suspended for various defects ranging from faulty tyres to defective seat belts. A total of 21 driver's licence-related fines were issued, including 11 for driving without a driver's licence.

"Although the situation has improved since we first started conducting these operations three years ago, it is nowhere near being satisfactory. I understand the difficulties that parents face in getting their children to school, but government cannot ensure their children's safety on its own. While I believe we need to greatly increase the number of traffic police available in the province, parents must also take every practical step to ensure that the transport used is safe and reliable and that the driver has the relevant records and authorisation. The province, law enforcement, schools and parents can make scholar transport better together," said Minister Carlisle.

Scholar transport law enforcement is an ongoing process that takes place weekly across the province.

Children travelling in suspended vehicles were transferred to minibuses provided by the Department of Transport and Public Works.

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