Free vehicle safety checks for scholar and public transport vehicle

The Western Cape Mobility Department has encouraged scholar and public transport vehicle drivers to make use of its free vehicle safety checks to ensure their vehicles are in a safer condition for transporting learners and commuters. This comes as October marks Mobility Month.

According to the department, the initiative promotes road safety by encouraging drivers and operators to proactively check their vehicles, identify potential defects and address safety concerns.

Western Cape Mobility Department’s Chief Director for Traffic Management, Maxine Bezuidenhout, has, however, advised that the inspections are not full roadworthy tests, but practical safety assessments carried out by qualified vehicle examiners.

Following the inspection, operators will receive a printed report identifying any defects or safety concerns that require attention. This will enable drivers and operators to address potential issues before they become a risk on the road. The inspections will reportedly cover key vehicle safety components, including tyres, braking system, lights, suspension, CV joints, exhaust system, windscreen wipers, and other critical safety elements.

These free inspections are an important preventative measure that contribute to safer and more reliable transport services. We encourage all operators to make use of this free service and make vehicle safety a priority,” added Bezuidenhout

The free safety checks will be conducted between 8 am and 3 pm at Gene Louw Traffic College and participating vehicle testing centres across the province, in partnership with municipalities and vehicle testing centres.

Participating vehicle safety check centres

Gene Louw Traffic Training College, Brackenfell Blvd, Brackenfell
Swartland Municipality, St Thomas Street, Malmesbury
Swartland Municipality, River Street, Moorreesburg
Cape Agulhas Municipality, 1 Dirkie Uys Street, Bredasdorp
Cederberg Municipality, 2A Voortrekker Street, Clanwilliam
Cederberg Municipality, Citrusdal Traffic Department, Citrusdal
Hessequa Municipality, Municipal Testing Centre, Mulder Street, Riversdale
Beaufort West Municipality, Lock Way, Newton, Beaufort West
City of Cape Town, Fabriek Street, Kuils River
City of Cape Town, 2 Reed Street, Bellville
AVTS Airport, Boston Circle, Airport Industria
AVTS Bellville, C/O Duminy and Voortrekker Roads, Bellville
AVTS CBD, 86 Sir Lowry Road, Cape Town
AVTS Kenilworth, 422 Imam Haron Road, Lansdowne
AVTS Strand, 3 Calvyn Street, Strand
AVTS Table View, 139 Blaauwberg Road, Table View
AVTS Wingfield, Olympic Park, Voortrekker Road, Goodwood
Lansdown VTS, Unit 21, Corner of Blomvlei Road and Jan Smuts Drive, Lansdowne

Bezuidenhout added that preventative vehicle maintenance remains one of the most effective ways to reduce breakdowns and prevent avoidable incidents.

“By identifying defects early, drivers and operators can improve the safety and reliability of the vehicles that thousands of learners and commuters depend on every day.”