Johannesburg - More than 5000 unroadworthy vehicles were removed from South Africa's roads over the festive season, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said on Friday.
"Every motorist should know by now that their car should be roadworthy and safe. We do not need to issue a warning or alert anyone beforehand that we will be removing vehicles," said RTMC spokesman Simon Zwane.
The RTMC warned commuters to make alternative plans if a public transport driver is found guilty of not complying with road safety laws.
On that note, over 3000 vehicles were impounded because they were found transporting passengers without the necessary permits. "Since the festive season drivers who had no proper permits had to pay between R2000 and R5000 to have their cars released after being impounded," Zwane said.
In total, over 450 000 traffic fines were issued to motorists for violations of traffic rules since the start of the December holidays.
There has been no stop to the carnage however. According to preliminary figures, almost 600 people have lost their lives on the country's roads since the start of the festive season.
African News Agency