Association ‘cautiously welcomes’ ban on kids on bakkies

ators who are taking children to school in vehicles which are either unroadworthy, or not designed for person transport (such as bakkies), will need to repair or replace their vehicles,” the AA stated.

However, the association also pointed out that the regulation placed a burden on parents whose only means of transporting their children to school was via these operators, who may, or may not, be in a position to follow the rules.

“Many parents simply don’t have a choice but to use operators whose vehicles are in a poor state. It’s a decision based on giving your child an education or not. For this reason, more reliable, accessible, safe public transport is essential, especially in rural areas, where bakkie transport is more common,” the AA said.

Regulation 250 also prohibits the transport of other persons in the goods compartment of vehicles for reward, unless they are enclosed in a canopy, and are not seated near any goods or tools. This regulation is aimed at improving the safety of passengers on the back of bakkies.

The AA also reiterated a previous message to motorists that Regulation 250 is, in fact, the only regulation coming into force today.

“There has been a lot of talk, especially on social media, about the reduction of speed limits, the curbing of trucks on public roads at specific times, and how drivers will have to undergo an entire new driving test to renew their licences. None of this is happening.These were proposals contained in earlier documents from the Department of Transport, but none have been accepted, or enacted, in any way,” the AA concluded.

The new legislation was also welcomed by the Northern Cape Department of Education, stating that it believed that it would contribute immensely to the safe transportation of pupils in the Province.

Departmental spokesman, Geoffrey van der Merwe, said that for too long the lives of pupils were placed in unnecessary risk, especially those who were transported privately to schools.

“Vehicles are overloaded and pupils are transported on open bakkies, which is uncalled for and irresponsible.”

He appealed to the Province’s law enforcement agencies to implement this legislation with zero tolerance for those who are found guilty of such practices.

“Your child is my child, and parents should report these incidents to the authorities so that perpe- trators can be brought to book. We welcome this legislation and view it as a step in the right direction.”

Municipal spokesman, Sello Matsie, said the city’s traffic department also welcomed the legislation, particularly in light of the number of accidents involving children being transported on the back of bakkies.

“Any legislation aimed at protecting children is welcomed.”

He added that the city’s traffic officials would embark on a campaign to educate the public, and particularly motorists, about the legislation.

“We will also amend our fines, to ensure that it is in line with the new regulations.”

According to Matsie, this needed to follow due processes and would be done in consultation with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.