As learners and teachers return for the third term of the academic year, the Western Cape Government is offering free vehicle safety checks for scholar and public transport vehicles.
The free safety checks are available from Tuesday, July 21, until Thursday, July 23.
According to the provincial government, this initiative supports safer journeys for learners and commuters by encouraging drivers and operators to proactively assess the condition of their vehicles.
The free safety checks will be conducted between 8am and 3pm at Gene Louw Traffic College and participating vehicle testing centres across the province, in partnership with municipalities and vehicle testing centres. Operators and drivers are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity before returning to their regular transport services.
Safety check, not a roadworthy check
It is important to note 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, enabling drivers and operators to address potential issues before they become a risk on the road. The inspections will cover key vehicle safety components, including: tyres, braking system, lights, suspension, CV joints, exhaust system, windscreen wipers, and other critical safety elements.
Western Cape Mobility Department’s Chief Director for Traffic Management, Maxine Bezuidenhout, said the timing of the initiative is particularly important as thousands of learners return to school after the holiday period.
“For many families, scholar transport is an essential service that they trust every day. These free vehicle safety checks provide operators with an opportunity to identify and address potential safety concerns. While this is not a roadworthy test, it is a practical preventative measure that can make a meaningful difference to road safety. We encourage every scholar transport and public transport operator to make use of this free service and demonstrate their commitment to the safety of the passengers they transport,” Bezuidenhout said.
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.
When and where can this safety check be done?
The free vehicle safety checks will be taking place from Tuesday, July 21, until July 23, between 8am and 3pm.
These are the participating vehicle safety check centres:
- Gene Louw Traffic Training College, Brackenfell Blvd, Brackenfell
- Swartland Municipality, St Thomas St, Malmesbury
- Swartland Municipality, River Str, Moorreesburg
- Cape Agulhas Municipality, 1 Dirkie Uys Str, Bredasdorp
- Cederberg Municipality, 2A Voortrekker Str, Clanwilliam
- Cederberg Municipality, Citrusdal Traffic Department, Citrusdal
- Hessequa Municipality, 48 Mulder Str, Riversdale
- Beaufort West Municipality, Lock Way, Newton, Beaufort West
- City of Cape Town – Kuils River, Fabriek Str, Kuils River
- City of Cape Town – Bellrail, 2 Reed Str, Bellville
- AVTS Airport, Boston Circle, Airport Industria
- AVTS Bellville, Cnr Duminy and Voortrekker Rd, Bellville
- AVTS CBD, 86 Sir Lowry Rd, Cape Town
- AVTS Kenilworth, 422 Imam Haron Rd, Lansdowne
- AVTS Strand, 3 Calvyn Str, Strand
- AVTS Table View, 139 Blaauwberg Rd, Table View
- AVTS Wingfield, Olympic Park, Voortrekker Rd, Goodwood
- Lansdowne VTS, Unit 21, Cnr Blomvlei Rd and Jan Smuts Drive, Lansdowne
IOL
Robin-Lee Francke
iol.co.za