Authorities in Bayview, South Africa, have recently uncovered a series of serious safety breaches in school transportation services. A crackdown this week revealed vehicles dangerously overcrowded, and drivers operating without the legally required permits.
Alarming Findings in Scholar Transport Crackdown
Police discovered a vehicle carrying 29 children in a vehicle designed for only 16 passengers. Additionally, a 22-year-old taxi driver was found transporting schoolchildren without a Professional Drivers’ Permit (PDP). These violations were identified during a roadblock at Apollo Secondary School in Umhlatuzana on Monday.
Fifteen drivers were found in violation of the National Road Traffic Act, with issues including overloading, lacking a PDP, or possessing an expired PDP. Phillip Hiralall, chairperson of the Umhlatuzana Community Policing Forum (CPF), stated the increased enforcement is a direct response to recent accidents involving school transport.
Confusion Over Permit Requirements
A significant issue identified is a lack of awareness among some drivers, particularly older individuals supplementing their income, regarding the need for a PDP to legally transport schoolchildren for payment. According to Hiralall, many mistakenly believe a permit is unnecessary because they are not considered public transport providers.
Hiralall emphasized the importance of drivers having a valid PDP even if they are temporarily substituting for another driver. He stated that cancelling a trip or arranging alternative transport is a safer option than allowing an unlicensed driver to operate the vehicle.
Ndabezinhle Sibiya, spokesperson for the KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, explained that the National Roads Traffic Act requires anyone operating a vehicle for monetary gain to possess a PDP. He noted that the driver involved in the Gauteng crash, where 14 children died, initially faced charges of culpable homicide, which were later upgraded to murder, and also faced charges for operating without a valid PDP.
What Could Happen Next
Police have issued warnings and plan to conduct further operations to enforce traffic laws. It is likely that drivers found in contravention of the regulations will face penalties. Parents are being urged to verify that drivers transporting their children have valid PDPs and that vehicles are not overloaded. Residents and motorists are encouraged to report violations to the Bayview police at 031 405 7211.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific violations were found during the crackdown?
Police found drivers overloading vehicles, operating without a Professional Drivers’ Permit (PDP), and using expired PDPs.
What is the role of the Community Policing Forum?
The Umhlatuzana Community Policing Forum (CPF) is clamping down on school transport providers due to a recent increase in accidents involving scholar transport.
What does the law require regarding permits for school transport?
According to the National Roads Traffic Act, anyone operating a vehicle for monetary gain, including transporting schoolchildren, must have a Professional Drivers’ Permit (PDP).
Given these recent safety concerns, what steps can communities take to proactively ensure the safe transportation of students?
