Operation Exodus ensures safer travel

22 December 2020

The City of Cape Town's Operation Exodus, which aims to ensure driver and vehicle fitness, has seen just under 1 000 vehicles tested since it kicked into gear a week ago.

'Operation Exodus is one of the many interventions the Safety and Security Directorate focuses on during this time to ensure all our road users stay as safe as possible. Roads are generally busier over the festive season and with many more vehicles making longer trips, we want to do everything we can to make those journeys safer,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security Alderman JP Smith.

So far, as part of Operation Exodus, which launched on 14 December, 805 buses, midi-buses, minibus-taxis, trailers and sedans have undergone roadworthy tests, with a pass rate of 74%.
'Of the 805 vehicles tested, 200 failed. This included 77 buses or midi buses. It is of huge concern that these are vehicles which carry a large number of commuters or families and they do not pass muster in terms of roadworthiness. Ensuring that your vehicle is safe is worth the time and effort and the lives it potentially saves,' said Alderman Smith.

Traffic Service officers also recorded 5 811 transgressions at vehicle checkpoints linked to Operation Exodus, with the top offences being unlicensed motor vehicles (906), the failure to display a valid clearance certificate (904) and not wearing seatbelts (793).

‘Drivers were fined for more than 30 different offences, which range from those mentioned above to parking offences and the overloading of passengers. Operation Exodus is part of our annual Festive Season Safety Plan and it gives public transport operators the opportunity to have their vehicles checked for roadworthiness for peace of mind – not only for them, but also for their drivers and their passengers. Private motorists are also encouraged to make sure their vehicles are roadworthy before setting out. It's a pre-check that can save your life and that of your loved ones,’ said Alderman Smith.

Operation Exodus concludes on Christmas Eve. 

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office