Taxis, buses banned from roads

Johannesburg - Over 700 public transport vehicles have been taken off the roads in December, the department of transport said on Wednesday.

This included over 400 buses and over 250 taxis, the department said in a statement.

"Law enforcement officers will be intensifying operations on public transport vehicles, particularly buses and taxis, over the coming days. Those vehicles found to be unroadworthy will be taken off the roads.

"Public transport operators and drivers have a responsibility to protect the lives of commuters and should not be only interested in making money," read the statement.

The department said that drivers caught speeding were being fined or arrested. In the past month 250 000 motorists had been fined for speeding and 2500 had been arrested for drunk driving.

"Despite our warnings, motorists are still displaying a blatant disregard for the law.

"Therefore, traffic law enforcement will be stepped up in the next few days. No mercy will be shown to motorists who break the law," said Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele.

- I-Net Bridge