By Eric Mashaba
Mbombela - Up to 450 unroadworthy vehicles were pulled off the road in Mpumalanga between December 9 and 15, authorities said.
The vehicles included buses, minibuses, trailers, light delivery vehicles and heavy motor vehicles.
“We expect an increase in such vehicles towards Christmas, but I want to warn motorists that law enforcement officers will not turn a blind eye to any mischief during these holidays," said Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe on Wednesday.
“We will ensure that all vehicles which are not supposed to be on the road are removed in order to save lives.”
He said unroadworthy vehicles contribute to fatal crashes in the province. He also voiced concern on overloaded vehicles.
Traffic officers have been deployed on all major roads 24 hours a day for the festive season to try reduce the number of accidents.
Rest stops, awareness campaigns and roadblocks have also been set up as part of the 'no-nonsense Sekwanele Bopha' (That's Enough. Arrest them) Festive Season Programme.
Department spokesman Joseph Mabuza said that between December 9 and 15, another 262 vehicles were issued with notices to discontinue while 8 755 fines were issued to motorists for different violations.
“Eighteen drivers were also arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, excessive speeding, reckless and negligent driving as well as overloading,” said Mabuza. – SAnews.gov.za
