More than 1,250 fines have been issued to drivers in the Western Cape as part of a crackdown on unsafe school transport vehicles.
Since schools reopened in January, the Western Cape Provincial Traffic Law Enforcement in collaboration with Municipal Traffic Services, has carried out a traffic enforcement campaign.
Between 14 and 23 January 2026, officers conducted 45 integrated operations, during which they stopped over 1,600 vehicles, issued 1,250 fines totalling over R580, 000 (more than 36,000 US dollars), impounded 46 vehicles, and discontinued 23 unroadworthy vehicles, many of which, they said, were transporting learners.
Officers also detected drivers operating under the influence of alcohol, widespread overloading, unroadworthy vehicles, and operators deliberately diverting from known enforcement routes.
The Western Cape Government is urging parents and guardians to play an active role in ensuring their children travel safely.
“Our foremost concern is the safety of every learner who depends on transport to get to and from school each day,” said Minister Sileku.
“That is why we have strengthened our enforcement efforts during the busiest travel periods, placing particular focus on overloading, seatbelt use, driver fitness, vehicle roadworthiness, and valid operating licences.”
Parents and guardians are encouraged to:
- Verify that transport vehicles are roadworthy
- Ensure drivers are properly licensed and sober
- Avoid agreeing to overloaded transport arrangements
- Observe loading practices and question unsafe behaviour
- Report illegal or unsafe transport operations
