Gauteng traffic operations to continue throughout festive season, MEC warns motorists

The Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has warned motorists that traffic law-enforcement operations will continue throughout the festive season. These operations, conducted by the Gauteng Traffic Inspectorate (GTI), have been ongoing for a week in key areas where non-compliance by motorists has been observed. The MEC emphasized that there will be "zero tolerance for unroadworthy vehicles, reckless behaviour, or criminality on Gauteng's roads ahead and during the holiday season."

During the operation, traffic enforcement officers from various agencies, including the South African Police Service, Home Affairs, and municipal traffic departments, logged over 1,500 traffic infringements, issued numerous vehicle discontinuation notices, and made arrests. The GTI's enhanced digital system, e-Force, played a significant role, allowing officers to quickly verify driver licenses, vehicle registration status, and active warrants. This system contributed to over half of the logged violations during the operation.

The campaign focused heavily on public transport regulations, with a particular emphasis on non-compliant minibus taxi operators. Authorities issued 34 discontinuation notices to vehicles found to be mechanically unsound, preventing them from operating until all required repairs were completed. Additionally, 61 taxis were found operating without valid license discs, 59 taxi drivers were operating without valid driving licenses, and 27 minibuses were impounded.

Two individuals were arrested, one for driving under the influence of alcohol and another for violating the Immigration Act.

MEC Diale-Tlabela stressed that these joint operations aim to promote road safety, ensure compliance with traffic laws, and combat criminal activity across the province.