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