JOHANNESBURG - A total of 66 minibus taxis has been discontinued due to failure of meeting road safety requirements.
This was a result of an intensified operation by Gauteng province in Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and Tshwane during the first week of March.
The operation targeted major public and scholar transport corridors identified as high-risk.
This was confirmed by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport on Monday.
The operation was led by the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI), in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) officers.
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During the operation, additional 95 private vehicles were issued with discontinue notices.
According to the provincial transport department, officers found defects that included faulty braking systems, worn tyres, broken headlights, defective brake lights or indicators, and cracked windscreens.
All of these pose serious risks to other road users.
On the issue of non-compliance 289 minibus, taxi operators found driving without valid licenses, while 139 minibuses were found to have been operating without valid license discs.
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela welcomed the Inspectorate’s efforts in their consistent and proactive enforcement approach.
But, expressed disappointment in those who continue to conduct themselves in
unlawful ways and take chances with the law.
"We will continue to intensify enforcement to ensure vehicles operating on our public roads are roadworthy and operators fully compliant with traffic laws,” she said.