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SHOCK RESULTS: Traffic officials checking public transport for roadworthiness in a surprise raid at the Marlboro testing station. PHOTO: SIBUSISO MSIBI

 We are looking for things like faulty brakes, lights, fluid leakages and other defects. We are also checking drivers' alcohol levels 

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MORE than half of the buses and taxis that were inspected in a raid in Marlboro, Johannesburg, were withdrawn from operating due to various defects.

Of the 47 buses and taxis checked, 31 were found to be unroadworthy, said Auphrey Mokobedi, acting deputy chief of the National Traffic Police .

The bus raid is part of a campaign organised by female traffic officers in recognition of Women's Month.

"As this is Women's Month, we decided to take the initiative as women to do something to make sure that public transport is safe," Mokobedi said.

The month-long campaign, called Step Up, is aimed at raising awareness about road safety and will be conducted in Gauteng. This initiative comes after several bus accidents that have claimed the lives of many people.

"We are looking for things like faulty brakes, lights, fluid leakages and other defects. We are also checking drivers' alcohol levels," Mokobedi said.

David Tembe, chief of the National Traffic Police, said faulty brakes were among the most common causes of accidents, as well as defective lights and oil leakages.

The buses and taxis were stopped after the morning rush hour so that few passengers were inconvenienced. The vehicles were taken to the testing station in Marlboro.

Vehicles found to be unroadworthy were immediately taken off the road.

"We take the licence disc and give them 14 days to fix the vehicle. Once it is fixed they bring it back for testing and if it is roadworthy we return the licence disc," Tembe said.

Among the vehicles that were withdrawn were Putco and Metro buses. - nkosin@ sowetan.co.za

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Sat May 18 21:52:10 SAST 2013 ::

Aug 3, 2012

MommaC

Bless you!
Could we please have this not being a once off thing? All well and good as an initiative but checking them really should be a regular occurrence
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Aug 3, 2012

Daffy

that is the problem with Govt they love carnivals at certain times and holidays! this should be a mandatory thing so that drivers get used to the fact that there is no gap off non compliance and fix their cars only when its a holiday or special carnival day.
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Aug 3, 2012

wendyyah

shame today one of the buses that was taken out was back on the road this morning. Putco has no respect for the law
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Aug 3, 2012

Kaylae

The month-long campaign, called Step Up, is aimed at raising awareness about road safety and will be conducted in Gauteng. This initiative comes after several bus accidents that have claimed the lives of many people.
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this must be done nation wide and every month

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Aug 3, 2012

MommaC

Daffy

True.
They come out on high days and holidays to do what they should have been doing all along and we are pathetically grateful. Sad
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Aug 3, 2012

Feratas3

Whats gona happen next month? I hate it that in SA we only do the right things when it is a special occassion or something for certain minority.
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Aug 3, 2012

Mothata

So after this monththey will be free as usual?
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Aug 3, 2012

BlackSeed

Good work, at least you saved lives for those few hours; although this should happen quite often.

Please when done, come down to Cape Town and assist because what I see down here is something else. I’ve never seen so many careless drives in my life. Or maybe they are just naar for no reason?

I sometimes wonder whether these expensive cars have installed vending machine for indicating because only very few people indicate when they turn; Never mind stopping or yielding when they come from side roads.

It’s even worse because its senior citizens do it

But hey, life goes on and on and on

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Aug 3, 2012

BlackSeed

Government, please use the Islamic law and sentence these busses, corrupt testing officials and its directors to STONING. I’ll bring my AK Shooting sling.
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Aug 3, 2012

akaPENdEBAHLEN

Money is worth more than the lives and souls of People.How many unroadworthy buses and taxis do you see everyday.I bet dey pay the officials a bribe to release the vehicles.Its sad that they don't think about their frends and family who ride on these coffins everyday.Inspection should be done everymonth.Enaf is Enaf..........
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