Gauteng motorists have been urged to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and fully compliant with transport regulations, as the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) ramps up its province-wide enforcement campaign.
According to Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, the intensified operations conducted between September 22 and 28 led to the removal of 62 unroadworthy minibus taxis from provincial roads. The campaign forms part of a broader effort to restore order, enhance commuter safety, and clamp down on lawlessness within the public transport sector.
Over 1,000 Traffic Offences Recorded
During the operation, enforcement officers issued 1,104 traffic infringement notices 469 manually and 635 electronically through the e-force system. The violations included faulty brakes, broken lights, missing documentation, and the use of unlicensed vehicles.
More alarming were the findings that 52 taxi drivers were operating without valid driving licences, while another 92 had no driving licences at all.
Unsafe Taxis: A Threat to Every Road User
MEC Diale-Tlabela condemned the widespread non-compliance, warning that such behaviour puts lives at risk.
“These violations pose extreme danger to all road users. Unroadworthy vehicles and unlicensed drivers are nothing less than potential death traps, and they have no place on our roads. We will not tolerate such blatant disregard for the law,” she said.
The MEC stressed that the provincial government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach toward illegal and unsafe public transport operations. She cautioned operators who prioritise profit over passenger safety that they will face strict enforcement actions, including the impoundment of vehicles and potential legal consequences.
Long-Term Safety Strategy
The GTI’s weekly inspections form part of a sustained strategy to curb road lawlessness, improve public transport safety, and ensure regulatory compliance across Gauteng’s transport network.
Diale-Tlabela reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making Gauteng’s roads safer for everyone:
“Our mission is clear every taxi and every driver on our roads must meet the highest standards of safety and legality. We will continue these operations until full compliance is achieved.”
Related article: SANTACO Responds to Sudden Taxi Route Closures in Western Cape
