No more transporting children in bakkies

Motorists who transport children in the back of bakkies will be fined. The new law aimed at keeping children safe on our roads came into effect on May 11.

Regulation 250 is amended to specifically state that school children may not be transported for reward in the goods compartment of vehicles.

The amendment of the Regulation 250 prescribes as follows:

– No persons shall on a public road convey school children in the goods compartment of a motor vehicle for reward.

– No person shall convey another person in the goods compartment of a motor vehicle for a reward, provided that the provision of this sub-regulation shall not apply in respect of the vehicle which complies with the provisions of the National Land Transport Act.

– Although this is a good initiative, the regulation might place a burden on parents whose only means of transporting their children to school is through bakkies.

– Parents need to make alternative arrangements

– Parents are urged to make new transport arrangements for their children if they have been riding on a bakkie for example for payment.

– The first option is to contact the school immediately and find out if it offers transport for learners or could recommend transportation services.

– If the school cannot assist, parents should consider coming together and starting a carpool of sorts.

– Another option is to touch base with your local government and ask about possible subsidised transport options.

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