As the academic year shifts into gear, the City’s Traffic Service reminds the public at large that scholar transport is more than just a means to get to school, and that operators have to tick numerous procedural boxes. Read more below:

Any person or company that offers a scholar transport service is required, by law, to have an operating permit, a public driving permit (PrDP) and a vehicle that is roadworthy, among others.

These permits are obtained through the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works, and compliance is enforced by the City’s enforcement agencies.

In 2022, Cape Town Traffic officers held 34 scholar transport operations at 52 schools around the metropole - they issued 7 649 fines and impounded 116 vehicles.

Among the challenges faced by enforcement staff are that some operators overload their vehicles, allow unlicensed drivers behind the wheel, transport learners in unroadworthy vehicles and without the necessary operating permits.

‘Sadly, scholar transport is often overlooked, until an incident captures the headlines. And yet, thousands of children are ferried to and from school on a daily basis by service providers – some more law abiding than others. As we start this new academic year, I appeal to the drivers to do right by the many children whose lives they hold in their hands every day. To parents, I encourage you to do your due diligence and check the credentials of your chosen service provider; and even our schools – while not technically their responsibility, I do implore them to say something if they see something,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

Operators are reminded that, apart from being fined and having their vehicles impounded, they also risk having their operating licenses withdrawn or suspended if caught committing a transgression; they can be arrested for operating a service with fraudulent documentation; and that reckless and/or negligent driving too may result in arrest and the impoundment of their vehicle.

Parents are encouraged to do the following to ensure their children’s safe passage to and from school:

• Check your service provider’s credentials, including permits and driving license

• Ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy

• Know the driver/s and have contact details available

• Scholar Transport Operator they entrust the child / children to are legal and have all the necessary documentation to provide such a service.

• Familiarise yourself with the parents/caregivers of other children using the transport service – start a WhatsApp group in case of an emergency

• Sensitize your child on matters of personal safety and to report any suspicious behaviour, whether from the driver or other children in the vehicle

Residents are reminded to phone 021 480 77 00 from a cell phone and 107 from a landline to report any criminal activity or emergency.

Source: City Of Cape Town