Gauteng cracks down on scholar transport after fatal Vanderbijlpark crash

By Charmaine Ndlela

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has elevated scholar transport safety to a top priority following a tragic incident on Monday in which fourteen learners lost their lives in the Vanderbijlpark area of the Vaal.

The provincial department emphasised that ensuring the safety and legal compliance of scholar transport vehicles is a collective responsibility.

“We have a collective responsibility to ensure that every scholar transport vehicle is safe and compliant,” the provincial department said.

Operators who fail to comply with Section 49 of the Road Traffic Act will face strict enforcement measures, including the possible loss of their operating licences.

The department warned that there will be no warnings or second chances.

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has been leading scholar transport safety operations across the province.

These operations include inspections to ensure compliance with regulations, focusing on vehicle registration, overloading, driver adherence