Cape Town - The city has launched a traffic service operation to combat transgressions by public transport operators and the minibus taxi industry.
Operation Throttle, a three-day operation aimed at clamping down on minibus taxi and bus drivers who disobey traffic laws, especially during the morning and afternoon peak hours, started on Monday.
As part of the operation, traffic officers are inspecting operating licences, driver fitness and vehicle roadworthiness.
Mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith said: “I called for this operation to deal with the ‘hell-run’ of reckless minibus-taxi drivers who race back to their pick-up points for a second load of commuters, breaking every traffic regulation in the process.”
He said each morning he received complaints from residents about the situation on the N2 and various intersections.
Some of the complaints included taxis racing along five abreast, making lanes where there are none, driving through traffic lights and stop streets, ignoring channelling lines, turning left or right at intersections across traffic going straight, changing lanes recklessly, and intimidating other road users.
“I have also witnessed this type of behaviour myself and, frankly, it needs to stop.”
MORE THAN 1000 FINES ISSUED ON DAY ONE
During the first few hours of the operation 11 suspects were arrested including three for reckless and negligent driving; five others were arrested for outstanding warrants of arrest.
A minibus taxi driver was arrested for drunk driving at the Hertzog Boulevard and Christaan Barnard Drive intersection. He was four times over the limit while transporting 15 passengers.
Another minibus taxi driver was arrested for outstanding warrants, while transporting 37 Grade R pupils to a school in Sea Point. More than a thousand fines were issued for various offences and 12 minibus taxis were impounded.
Smith said: “As shocking as some of the transgressions may seem, this unfortunately does not come as a surprise. Many motorists prove on a daily basis that they are simply incapable of doing the right thing without enforcement agencies breathing down their necks.
“I don’t see why the public cannot obey the rules. Personal responsibility is sadly lacking in our society and the results are evident on our roads and in our communities.”
In another road safety operation conducted by metro police over the weekend, 117 drivers were arrested on charges of drunk driving.
“This is a staggering number of drunk drivers arrested in a single weekend. I shudder to think what the statistics will look like over the Easter long weekend,” said Smith.
He said the city would again offer free vehicle safety checks to coincide with the April school holiday period and the Easter weekend. The checks are available at the city’s facilities in Bellville, Kuils River, Hillstar, Brackenfell, Goodwood, Joe Gqabi and Durbanville as from Monday 23 March to Thursday 26 March.
The Argus