Of the 11 buses stopped on September 2, eight were fined for travelling without an operating licence, all of them African Express buses.
According to Harold Williams, spokesperson for the Provincial Traffic Department, a total of 56 buses were stopped and checked by traffic officials in the area, between August 25 and September 2. Of these 56 buses, 21 were fined for operating without a operating licence, three bus drivers were driving without the relevant Public Road Transport Permit (PRTP) and two buses were issued with notices for discontinuation (ie scrapped).
Statistics
A total of 24 buses were pulled over on August 25. One bus was fined for operating without the relevant operating licence. One driver was fined for not having the relevant Public Road Transport Permit (PRTP).
On August 26, ten buses were pulled over, one bus was fined for travelling without an operating licence and two buses issued with notices for discontinuation. One driver was fined for not having the relevant PRTP.
On August 29, ten buses were stopped.
Seven of these were fined for operating without the relevant operating licence and one driver was fined for not having the relevant PRTP.
August 30 saw seven buses stopped, four of which were fined for operating without the relevant operating licence.
On August 31, eight buses were checked, but no fines issued.
Six buse were pulled over on September 1, but no fines issued.
No fines.
On September 2 - 11 buses were stopped and eight fined for operating without operating licences.
Buses
Two readers reported on two separate occasions seeing an African Express buses standing alongside the road after having broken down. One of these buses was transporting children in the Nekkies area and the other was seen on the verge of the N2 between Sedgefield and George.
A reader told: "When I drove on Saturday, September 3, from Knysna to George - between Sedgefield and Wilderness an African Express bus had a fatal breakdown. The whole right rear axle was completely broken away, the two large rear right hand tyres were standing attached to a piece of the rear axle on the other side of the road, steaming. This was at approximately 13:30."
He further explained that a red rescue truck and no other vehicles were seen. "It appears that this whole massive section of the axle with the tyres had broken off."
He concluded, "The bus appeared to be in an absolutely non-roadworthy condition."
The principal of the school in Nekkies was called, but was unable offer comment as to the broken down school bus.
Praveen Singh, owner / manager of African Express bus company had not replied to numerous requests.
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Of 11 buses stoped by the Provincial Traffic Department on September 2, eight were fined for travelling without the necessary operating licences.
ARTICLE: FRAN KIRSTEN, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD REPORTER.
PHOTOS: ELLE PHOTOGRAPHY
