Gauteng Enhances Road Safety Measures Following Tragic School Transport Accident

Vanderbijlpark: The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport is intensifying its road safety measures by enforcing existing laws, embracing technology, and ensuring compliance with the National Road Traffic Act (NRTA) and National Land Transport Act (NLTA). This initiative comes in response to a tragic incident where 12 learners lost their lives in a collision between a Toyota Quantum and a truck while being transported to school in Vanderbijlpark. According to South African Government News Agency, MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela emphasized the importance of child safety, stating that any scholar transport operator risking learners' safety will face serious repercussions. The department, as Gauteng's road traffic law and safety authority, is enhancing its legal capacity and creating an online repository of road traffic regulations to inform road users of their rights and responsibilities. Diale-Tlabela highlighted that road safety is a collective responsibility, involving the government, parents, operators, drivers, and pedestrians, to ensure everyone's safety and timely arrival. The government urges the public to report reckless driving and unsafe scholar transport through designated channels, and recommends using video evidence where possible to identify violators. Further, the department encourages the installation of dashboard cameras for real-time monitoring. As part of its road safety campaign, the department will rigorously enforce Section 49 of the NRTA, mandating vehicle roadworthiness, lawful driver operation, safe passenger transport, and proper loading and unloading practices. This campaign contributes to the national department's 365 Day Road Safety and Arrive Alive initiatives. Enforcement measures now include actions under the NRTA and possible suspension or revocation of operator status for non-compliance. Key NRTA regulations for pedestrian behavior are also reaffirmed, including prohibitions on freeway entry, obligations to cross at designated points, and discouragement of jaywalking.