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The Gauteng Department of Community Safety (GDCS) has urged public and learner transport operators to exercise caution and responsibility as students prepare to return to school on Tuesday.
As schools reopen for term four, the department said the province is expecting increased traffic volumes during peak morning and afternoon periods, particularly around schools, residential areas and major transport routes.
According to Sello Maremane, spokesperson for the Gauteng Traffic Police, operators of public transport and learner transport hold a crucial responsibility.
He emphasised that they must ensure that every learner and passenger arrives at their destination safely.
“We urge taxi, bus and learner transport operators to conduct proper safety checks on their vehicles before operating, ensure that vehicles are roadworthy and that drivers are correctly licensed and authorised to transport passengers.
“Operators must also ensure that vehicles are not overloaded and that all passengers are properly seated and safely transported. Learner transport operators are reminded that the safety of children is a priority.
“They must not exceed the authorised passenger capacity of their vehicles, allow learners to sit in unsafe positions or compromise safety standards to accommodate more passengers,” he stressed.
Transport operators exercise caution
Maremane stated that drivers must also exercise caution when picking up and dropping off learners, ensuring that children are not exposed to moving traffic.
He added, “We further call on drivers to observe speed limits, avoid reckless and negligent driving, refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances, and avoid using cellphones while driving.
“Drivers must always remain alert, particularly around schools, pedestrian crossings, intersections and areas where children are likely to crossroads.
“Parents and guardians are encouraged to use reputable and compliant learner transport operators and to raise concerns where they observe unsafe driving practices or overcrowding.”
Meanwhile, members of the Gauteng Traffic Police conducted a learner transport operation along the R558 and R559, emphasizing compliance and roadworthiness of vehicles as part of Transport Month and the Back to School safety drive.
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The operation led to the issuance of 62 fines for a variety of offences. These included violations related to overloading, driving license and Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) infractions, as well as expired license discs, among other breaches of regulations.
Officials also issued two discontinued notices, while one suspect was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and possession of a firearm while under the influence.
