Tuesday marked the onset of Transport Month with a massive roadblock operation on Mabopane Highway, led by the Tshwane metro police in collaboration with several law enforcement agencies.
The initiative, spearheaded by metro police chief Yolande Faro, resulted in the impounding of two buses operating without driving permits, leaving some commuters temporarily stranded.
Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba, spokesperson for the metro police, confirmed that alternative transportation was swiftly arranged for the affected commuters.
With an early start at 7 am, the officers diligently inspected the roadworthy status of vehicles traversing the routes between Pretoria CBD and the townships of Soshanguve and Mabopane.
Mahamba detailed that this operation will extend throughout the month, targeting various hotspots across the City of Tshwane.
"We want to remind motorists to ensure they carry valid driving documents and that their vehicles are always in good condition to be on the public roads," Mahamba said.
The operations are set to continue past Transport Month, overlapping into the festive season and beyond.
"In December, our focus will shift to vehicles departing from Gauteng, and in January, we will welcome them back. These operations are planned to overlap until the end of January," Mahamba said Faro has indicated that her department is prepared to reinforce its operational personnel, ensuring comprehensive road safety coverage city-wide.
Throughout the operation, officers scrutinised vehicle conditions, including tyre integrity, brake functionality, and windscreen condition. By noon, 19 vehicles were examined, and 11 were deemed unroadworthy and subsequently removed from the roads.
The officers also assessed the fitness of drivers, checking for valid licences and public driving permits. Additionally, 28 Aarto notices were issued for various traffic violations during the roadblock.
Mahamba clarified that the Mabopane Highway was strategically chosen for this operation due to its status as a critical hotspot within the municipality. The roadblock serves as the official commencement of Transport Month, held in association with stakeholders such as the SAPS, Road Traffic Management Corporation, and Gauteng traffic wardens.
"We are focusing particularly on public transport, including vehicles transporting school children and taxis ferrying passengers between Soshanguve, Mabopane, and Pretoria CBD," he said.
Pretoria News