An app has been launched in the Free State to allow school principals to report unsafe student transport vehicles directly to the Department of Education.
Teachers can upload photos of defective vehicles in real time and create reports, making it easier to act quickly if problems are identified.
Although no road accidents involving scientists have been reported in the province in the past three quarters, the department said the app was created after the tragic event. Vanderbijlpark accident which claimed the lives of 14 students.
“The system is designed to ensure that only roadworthy vehicles and drivers with a valid driver’s license are allowed to transport students,” the report said.
“To operate legally, learned transport vehicles must have a valid roadworthy certificate. Drivers must hold a valid Professional Driving Permit (PDP) and operators must hold an official operating permit.”
The department said it is also working with district and circuit managers to conduct regular compliance checks to strengthen enforcement measures.
TimesLIVE
Kabungane Biyela
www.timeslive.co.za