Road Safety - Arrive Alive
As a build-up towards the festive season, Western Cape MEC of Mobility, Daylin Mitchell, met with leaders and representatives of the local taxi industry and the Overstrand Taxi association on 24 October 2022 to encourage them to be prepared when setting off on their long-distance driving trips so that they can arrive safely.
The Minister’s visit to Hermanus formed part of Transport Month to raise awareness on road safety in the minibus taxi industry.
He was accompanied by Overstrand Deputy Mayor, Cllr Lindile Nstabo and the Mayoral Committee (Mayco) members, Councillors Elnora Gillion, Clinton Lerm, Arnie Africa and Ronald Nutt, as well as the Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill; The Overberg District Municipality Councillor Archie Klaas, the Acting Director of Road Safety Management, Nina September, the Senior Manager of Traffic, Law Enforcement & Task Team, Rudi Fraser and various traffic and law enforcement officers were also in attendance.
In his speech minister Mitchell said transport plays a crucial role in economic growth and stated that the taxi industry is a critical stakeholder in the mobility space, transporting about 82% of public transport passengers in the Western Cape.
As we are getting closer to December, many people travel to holiday destinations or go home; a special appeal was made to the taxi industry to be aware of driver fatigue as one of the ongoing major causes of accidents, particularly on the long-haul routes.
He urged drivers to avoid overloading and to ensure that every taxi is roadworthy and has a valid operating license and the correct permit conditions.
This sentiment was echoed by Caledon Traffic Chief, Thembile Qunta, who assured taxi operators that Provincial Traffic Officers will be visible across the provincial road network enforcing the law.
Deputy Mayor and Mayco member for Protection Services, Cllr Lindile Nstabo, prompted all vehicle occupants to fasten their seat belts and urged taxi operators to respect the rules of the road. He concluded by stating that the Overstrand traffic and law enforcement officials will be out in full force this season to apply the law without fear of favour.
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