Cape town: As the high-traffic Easter period continues, the Western Cape Mobility Department has expressed appreciation to transport operators and motorists for contributing to road safety and ensuring compliance across the province.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) reports that both walk-in and mobile services have been operating smoothly, with transport operators collecting their operating licences on schedule. To support increased demand and promote compliance, operating hours were extended at key service centres in Athlone and George over Good Friday and Easter Saturday.
In addition, the department’s ‘Operator Helpdesk on Wheels’ initiative has been deployed to different rural areas to help operators collect their operating licences closer to home. This has helped to reduce travel costs for operators, especially amid rising fuel prices.
Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku commended long-distance operators for making use of the department’s services during this busy period. ‘Their efforts to ensure their vehicles are properly licensed are important for the safety of the many passengers they carry and reflect a shared commitment to compliance and road safety,’ Sileku said in a statement on Tuesday.
Between Sunday and Monday, a total of 642 applications were processed, ensuring operators were able to access legal and safe operating options. This has helped prevent situations where operators might otherwise have been forced to operate illegally or use unroadworthy vehicles.
The processed applications include seasonal temporary permits (310), special event permits (238), temporary replacement applications (60), and duplicate document requests (34). These measures assist operators in maintaining compliance during peak travel periods, including Easter.
Sileku emphasised the importance of valid operating licences in ensuring road safety. ‘By extending our operating hours and remaining available during this busy period, we are making it easier for operators to prioritise passenger safety. We thank all operators who are ensuring they operate legally on our roads this Easter and beyond, while also supporting our province’s job creation and safety priorities,’ Sileku said.
