The Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department is cracking down on unroadworthy public transport vehicles this October, through a special campaign dubbed “Operation Phepha”.

“All categories of public transport vehicles will be the focus of our attention, but under the spotlight will be learner transport vehicles,” says EMPD spokespersonWilfred Kgasago. “It has come to our attention that both driver and vehicle unfitness are contributing to avoidable accidents on our roads.”

A zero tolerance approach will be adopted in the EMPD’s quest to ensure that motor vehicles comply fully with the provisions of the National Road Traffic Act. Operations will be in a form of roadside checks, static and roving roadblocks. These special operations, which commenced at the beginning of October, will continue right into the New Year.

In addition to law enforcement on the roads,educational programmes on Road Safety and awareness in commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism againstWomen and Child Abuse will be running in October, November and early December at shopping malls and railway stations.

Parents are urged to ensure that vehicles transporting their children are in an acceptable state to safely ferry kids to and from schools, and are encouraged to report unroadworthy vehicles and unfit drivers to the authorities. Furthermore, parents and drivers of learner transport vehicles are warned thatunroadworthy andvehicles meant to transport goods found transporting learners will be impounded.

Owners and drivers of learner transport are advised to clean up their act and ensure that their vehicles and drivers comply with requirements of the National Road Traffic Act. Public transport operators may contact their nearest Metro Police offices to find out how they can ensure that they remain on the right side of the law.