The operation gives long distance public transport operators a helping hand with free vehicle checks, combined with vehicle checkpoints around public transport interchanges to ensure that vehicles hitting the road are fit for purpose.

Operation Exodus is a long-standing feature of the Traffic Service’s operations over the festive season and Easter holiday.

These are two of the busiest travelling periods on the annual calendar.

As has become custom, the Traffic Service will offer free vehicle checks for long distance public transport operators at the Joe Gqabi and Bellville Driving Licence Testing Centres from 8 December, until Sunday 24 December 2023.

Qualified vehicle examiners will check for roadworthiness, and advise on what, if any repairs are required.

The City would like to stress that drivers will not be penalised for any defects that are detected.

Instead, they would be advised to get the repairs done, and return for a re-test.

‘By now, many of our long distance public transport operators are aware of Operation Exodus, and hundreds make use of the opportunity every festive season. I hope that many more will take advantage of the free checks this year, to give themselves and their passengers peace of mind. Many road accidents are the result of human error, but mechanical faults too can prove fatal. Our aim is to help get passengers to their loved ones, enjoy the festive season, and make their way back safely. I also want to remind operators that we will have increased vehicle checkpoints around the PTIs, to check vehicle and driver fitness, and we will act against those who are non-compliant,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

During the 2022 festive season, a total of 735 buses, midi and minibuses and trailers underwent free vehicle checks – 56% of these were compliant.

Of the 322 vehicles that failed the checks, 140 were re-tested.

Operation Exodus-related vehicle checkpoints saw 3 153 vehicles stopped, and 12 742 fines issued for various offences.

Issued by Media Office, City of Cape Town