SA police 'order 23 buses off the roads'

Date: 19/9/2011

Police in South Africa have ordered the discontinuation of 23 buses operating on roads in the Gauteng province.

As part of a clampdown on dangerous public and learner transport, the Department of Community Safety Traffic Police has made the decision to halt the services of the Public Utility Transport Corporation (PUTCO) vehicles.

Officers stopped and checked several buses travelling on the Moloto road and in the city of Pretoria as part of continuing efforts by South Africa's Members of the Executive Council to ensure such vehicles are safe.

Defects including brake failure, worn tyres and problems with steering mechanisms were reported and these will have to be corrected and the buses road tested before they are able to resume operation.

Gauteng Traffic Police Spokesperson Busaphi Nxumalo said: "It is only through regular operations such as these that Gauteng roads will be safer for motorists and pedestrians alike. The defects are serious and a collision could happen at any time."

In August, the Department revealed that the operation of 47 learner transport vehicles in Krugersdorp, West Rand, has discontinued after they failed road safety checks.

Posted by Sarah Bailey