Warning to scholar transport operators

Transport MEC Dickson Masemola issued harsh warning to scholar transport operators when he announced during his department’s budget vote speech in the Legislative chamber last Thursday that those who are using inappropriate means of transportation should know that the time for inconsiderate decisions on the plight of learners were over and they should prepare themselves for non-negotiable compliance and cooperation.
He went on to reveal that his office would embark on awareness campaigns for legal compliance on learner transportations which will be followed by intensified law enforcement to ensure that scholars are transported in roadworthy vehicles and buses. Masemola indicated that road accidents, carnage and fatalities are a serious concern and as such plans are underway to heighten operation ‘Ndadzi’ by conducting major roadblocks throughout the province. He added that they would strengthen law enforcement to make sure that its might is felt.
“As part of the practical measures to capacitate traffic law enforcement officers, we are going to purchase R10 million worth of vehicles to support the good work that they continue to do. We have also set aside R4 million to procure more mobile speed cameras. We are contemplating the reclassification of certain road traffic offences to become Schedule 5 offences. Transgressions such as drunk driving, reckless and negligent driving and excessive speeding should carry heavy penalties. We want those who are detained for committing these offences to spend a minimum of seven days behind bars before their bail applications can be heard,” Masemola cautioned.

Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za