Public Transport Compliance Awareness Operations were well received by commuters and drivers during a blitz operation at the Upington Taxi Rank on Friday were law enforcement checked for vehicle and driver fitness. 

 

Provincial Law Enforcement and Road Safety officials held compliance awareness operations at the Upington Taxi Rank where they engaged drivers, driver assistants and commuters on the importance of adhering to road safety standards, vehicle safety compliance standards and ensuring driver fitness prior to any journey. 

 

The inspections by the Provincial traffics included checking vehicles tyres conditions,  motor vehicle licences and driver compliance.  Items such as triangles and fire extinguishers were also checked to ensure safety standards were met. During the operations, only one vehicle amongst  taxi’s checked did not comply as the vehicle did not have a functioning fire extinguisher.  The driver was informed of the dangers of not having a functioning fire extinguisher and informed how to comply.   

 

Passengers waiting to be ferried to their various destinations said they appreciated the operations as it held owners and drivers accountable in ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy and they will be transported in safe vehicles.   

 

Meanwhile, traffic will be heightened as the long weekend kickstarts with many planned trips and vehicles on the roads will be increased.  It therefore becomes critical that we continue to remind and encourage all road users to use the roads with careful consideration of all other road users. 

 

The appeal is also that commuters should not compromise their safety or that of their children nor should drivers put profits ahead of the lives of passengers.  Speeding, overloading and recklessness are some of the leading human errors that lead to accidents and the loss of lives on our roads.  All commuters should ensure they are buckled up, have a sober and fit driver.  It also remains the responsibility of drivers to ensure passengers are buckled up and not compromise on safety.

 

All law enforcement officials must enforce the law decisively in dealing with those transgressing the law and compromising the safety of all other road users.  Let us also remember to take responsibility on the roads as “Road Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility” so let us all “Arrive Alive”.

END.