Close to 20 illegal taxis taken off road in Laudium
CLOSE to 20 taxis were impounded in Laudium at the weekend during the ongoing road safety operation by the Tshwane metro police to keep the roadworthiness of public transport vehicles in check.
Drivers of at least 19 taxis were caught on the wrong side of the law, and their vehicles were impounded for operating without permits.
Metro police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba warned that road safety operations would continuously be conducted in all areas of the metro. “These operations are to ensure compliance with rules and regulations as well as reducing crime, thus providing safety for all residents,” he said.
Another road safety operation conducted by the metro police saw at least 106 road infringement fines, amounting to R80 250, being issued to drivers.
On Friday, an operation targeting those drinking under the influence of alcohol was conducted on Sefako Makgatho Drive, resulting in the arrest of 10 motorists. Mahamba said 94 Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) infringement fines amounting to R65500 were also issued and 330 vehicles searched.
“In that operation, two MercedesBenz
vehicles were impounded for verification; one of the vehicles was found with a pallet gun, and the other one with licence discs and number plates that were placed in the boot,” he said.
The Tshwane metro police also joined other law enforcement agencies in Bronkhorstspruit and surrounds for a crime-prevention operation.
Mahamba said: “Several businesses were visited to check compliance with the law. One business trading in liquor, was closed due to non-compliance, and the alcohol was confiscated.”
A roadblock was conducted in the area and several vehicles stopped and searched.
“Motorists were issued with Aarto 1 infringement notices for violating road traffic rules and Section 56 notices for violating municipal by-laws. The combined total value of the fines issued is
R54 700. These operations focus on enforcing by-laws, combating crime and ensuring adherence to road regulations.”