By Ragheema Mclean
The Western Cape Government is offering free vehicle safety checks for scholar transport and public transport vehicles from Tuesday to Thursday this week as part of efforts to improve road safety for learners and commuters.
The Provincial Mobility Department says the initiative aims to encourage drivers and operators to proactively assess the condition of their vehicles before mechanical problems arise.
Department spokesperson Muneera Allie said preventative vehicle maintenance remains one of the most effective ways to reduce breakdowns and prevent avoidable road incidents.
“The free safety checks will be conducted between 8am and 3pm at Gene Louw Traffic College and participating vehicle testing centres across the province, in partnership with municipalities and vehicle testing centres. Operators and drivers are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity before returning to their regular transport services,” Allie said.
She emphasised that while the inspections are not roadworthy tests, they provide an opportunity for operators to identify and address potential safety concerns.
“For many families, scholar transport is an essential service that they trust every day. These free vehicle safety checks provide operators with an opportunity to identify and address potential safety concerns. While this is not a roadworthy test, it is a practical preventative measure that can make a meaningful difference to road safety. We encourage every scholar transport and public transport operator to make use of this free service and demonstrate their commitment to the safety of the passengers they transport.”
The inspections will cover key vehicle safety components, including tyres, braking systems, lights, suspension, CV joints, exhaust systems, windscreen wipers, and other critical safety features.
The free safety checks will be available at Gene Louw Traffic Training College in Brackenfell, participating municipal vehicle testing centres, and AVTS testing centres across the Western Cape, including Bellville, Kuils River, Cape Town CBD, Kenilworth, Strand, Table View, Goodwood, Lansdowne, Malmesbury, Moorreesburg, Bredasdorp, Clanwilliam, Citrusdal, Riversdale, and Beaufort West.
Photo: Supplied/WCG
