Ensuring that scholar transport vehicles are complying with safety standards, has been the City of Cape Town and Western Cape Mobility Department’s priority this week.

Mobility MEC Ricardo Mackenzie and City Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, visited schools in Mitchells Plain on Thursday. That’s where they conducted compliance checks on scholar transport vehicles.

Requirements for transporting learners are strict, says Mackenzie, adding that it’s important that drivers, parents and schools know and understand these requirements. It includes:

• The operator must have a valid operating licence for providing Learner Transport services
• The driver must have a valid driving licence
• The driver must have a professional driving permit (PrDP)
• Learners may only be transported in vehicles that comply with legislated safety standards and were manufactured after 1 September 2006 – they may not be transported on the back of a bakkie or light delivery vehicle

If the driver does not possess the above, or does not appear fit to be transporting learners – Mackenzie says to “immediately report any concerns about unsafe or illegal transport operators”.

Furthermore, Mackenzie says operations like the one in Mitchells Plain are necessary to ensure that learners lives are not being put at risk, due to drivers’ negligence.

“During the current financial year, Provincial Traffic Officers have conducted 314 operations targeting scholar transport, stopping and checking 13,282 vehicles, and issuing R3,571,850 worth of fines. These statistics demonstrate how enforcing scholar transport is an ongoing priority for us.”

Smith says during Thursday’s operations, 19 vehicles were impounded for non-compliance. Meanwhile, a man was arrested for drunk driving – while his vehicle was not roadworthy and overloaded with learners.

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