City urges motorists to put vehicle safety first
06 December 2025
Road safety features strongly in the festive season readiness plans. The City calls on vehicle owners and public transport operators in particular to align their vehicles’ condition with efforts to reduce road-related deaths and crashes.
Cape Town experiences a surge in traffic volumes over the festive season – and long distance travel is a key feature as people move around the country to visit their loved ones.
Historically, the City has invited public transport operators to submit their vehicles for voluntary checks in the days leading up to departure, so that any potential defects could be identified and fixed.
This festive season, voluntary checks for ALL vehicles (private and public) will be available at the following two Vehicle Testing Stations (subject to operational requirements):
- Bellville Vehicle Testing Station 11,12, 15, 17, 18 and 19 December from 08:00 until 15:00.
- Joe Gqabi Vehicle Testing Station 11, 12, 15, 17, 18 and 19 December from 08:00 until 13:00.
‘We thank those operators who have, for years, made use of the service available under the auspices of Operation Exodus, but these are a fraction of the vehicles leaving our city, and so this year, we are changing tack to widen the net in our bid to keep travellers safe,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
The City’s enforcement agencies will ramp up roving vehicle checkpoints instead, and check basic vehicle safety roadside, including tyre tread, whether brakes and lights are in working order, and if the vehicle licence is up to date.
Drivers too will have to ensure that they have a licence as well as a valid professional driving permit (PrDP).
Where an officer suspects a vehicle requires further investigation, it will be sent to a City vehicle testing facility. If the vehicle is deemed unroadworthy, the disc will be removed, in accordance with legislation, until the owner can submit proof of roadworthiness.
‘Making sure your vehicle is roadworthy to ensure the safety of yourself, your passengers and others is the responsibility of every motorist. Unfortunately the festive season is notorious for a higher death toll and we should all do what we can to make our roads safer. Along with higher traffic volumes, there is also an unfortunate increase in reckless and negligent driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol. So consider the impact that your actions could have, not just on those who are passengers in your vehicle, but also on other road users,’ added Alderman Smith.
Tips for long distance driving/travelling
Ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy and that you have a spare wheel and tools in the vehicle in case of an emergency/breakdown
Do not drink and drive and do not drive without a valid licence or transport paying passengers without a valid public driving permit (PrDP)
Have enough rest before your trip and use a backup driver so you can take breaks
Stop every two hours to stop and stretch your legs, or stop as soon as you’re feeling tired
Should you need to pull over – do so only in areas that are safe and away from passing traffic
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
