Hundreds of unsafe vehicles pulled off of Gauteng roads in week long crackdown – Hypertext

Faulty brakes, worn tyres, broken headlights, and broken brake lights were among the reasons 48 vehicles were impounded during an enforcement operation conducted last week.

The operation was led by the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation in Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg and Tshwane.

Aside from the impounded vehicles, 138 were issued discontinuation notices for non-compliance with road safety regulations. As many as 63 minibus taxis were also issued discontinuation notices after being found to have serious mechanical defects.

To put this into perspective, during this period (18th to 24th May) only six motorists were arrested for driving under the influence, interference with officials, and attempted bribery.

Gauteng motorists, then, are awful at maintaining their vehicles, a fact Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela made sure to mention in a statement about the operation.

“Vehicle mechanical defects recorded are deeply concerning and continue to place the lives of commuters and other road users at risk. We appeal to motorists and operators to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and safe for the road. On the other hand, we commend the work of the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate and various traffic law-enforcement agencies involved for their dedication, vigilance, and decisive action in removing unroadworthy vehicles from public roads and apprehending offenders who undermine the rule of law,” the MEC said.

With more vehicles on the road than ever before – 13 678 534 according to RTMC – it’s vital that motorists properly maintain their vehicles. A breakdown can lead to disaster not only for the person driving the faulty vehicle but those around them as well.

Of course, we’re not blind to the fact that things are expensive, especially fuel, and as a result maintenance can often become an afterthought.

However, if you’re in Gauteng you will eventually be stopped and if your vehicle is impounded, you’ll be left with no car. Best book that service then, just in case.