Scholar transport safety drive launched

THE Western Cape Mobility Department has launched a scholar transport safety drive ahead of schools reopening for the year this Wednesday. 

With over 3500 registered scholar transport operators, and over 6000 operating licences across the province, the Department will be offering free vehicle checks for scholar transport operators from 12 to 16 January.

Centres around the province will be open between 8am and 3pm. 

The checks will be carried out by qualified examiners and will focus on key vehicle safety components, including tyres, brake lights, suspension and wipers. 

If any defects are found, motorists are encouraged to have them repaired as soon as possible.

City of Cape Town Chief Director of Traffic Management Maxine Bezuidenhout urged parents and guardians that if they are making use of scholar transport services that they make that the drivers have the proper documentation. 

Bezuidenhout reminded parents to check: that the operator has a valid operating licence, ensure that drivers hold a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP), that the vehicle is roadworthy, that vehicles are never overloaded, bever allow learners to be transported on the back of a bakkie

She added: “Road safety starts with compliance and accountability. Operators carry the primary responsibility to ensure that vehicles and drivers are fully compliant, and parents play an important role by choosing transport services that prioritise safety. These free vehicle checks help address potential risks early, before lives are put in danger.”

Various municipalities and private testing centres will also be participating in this initiative. Operators can attend at the following testing centres for a free vehicle check:

Gene Louw Traffic College, Brackenfell Boulevard

Saldanha Bay Municipality, Municipal Testing Centre, Suffren Street, Langebaan (Please note: only vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Mass not exceeding 3 500kg are eligible for testing at the Saldanha Bay facility)

Saldanha Bay Municipality, West Coast Testing Centre, 16 Velddrif Road, Velddrif

Swartland Municipality Testing Centre, Malmesbury Street, Malmesbury

Swartland Municipality Testing Centre, River Street, Moorreesburg

Swellendam Municipality Testing Centre, Koringlands Street, Swellendam (Please note: free testing will only be available 12 and 13 January between 8am and 10am)

Hessequa Municipality Testing Centre, Mulder Street, Riversdale

AVTS Airport, Boston Circle, Airport Industria, Cape Town

AVTS Bellville, C/O Duminy & Voortrekker Roads, Bellville

AVTS CDB, 86 Sir Lowry Road, Cape Town

AVTS Kenilworth, 422 Imam Haron Road, Lansdowne

AVTS Strand, 3 Calvyn Street, Strand

AVTS Table View, 139 Blouberg Road, Blouberg

AVTS Wingfield, Olympic Park, Voortrekker Road Goodwood