Public Transport Enforcement Unit

Following the Alexander commission the need was identified to create a unit that answers to the findings of the commission.

This resulted in the inception of the P.T.E.U. which finds its appointment in terms of section 86 of the national land transport act, 05/2009

The purpose of the component is to render strategic freight & public transport and traffic legislation enforcement services by planning, prioritising and implementing public transport & tactical traffic enforcement initiatives under normal circumstances and in response to conflict and violent situations throughout the province.


Public Transport Enforcement Services Senior Manager: Mr. S. Sithole with some of his team members

Functions

  • Plan, prioritise & implement freight, public transport & tactical traffic enforcement initiatives;
  • Conduct freight, public transport ad-hoc operations in the regions;
  • Monitor & report on the impact of Public Transport Enforcement Unit initiatives;
  • Co-ordinate tactical operations including the provision of VIP and ceremonial escort services;
  • Monitor & report on the impact of tactical traffic operations initiatives;
  • Set up displays to showcase the Department of Transport current technology;
  • Construction & legislation of vehicle holding areas;
  • Co-ordination & execution of MPIMPA complaints;
  • Respond to public transport conflict and violence;
  • Render roadworthy inspection services in respect of bus companies;
  • Inspection/verification of buses contracted to the Department;

Background

  • In 1999, following the Alexander Commission, the need was established for the formation of a Specialized Enforcement Unit which would fall within the establishment of the
  • Department of Transport. The specialized unit would respond to the need for enforcement, regulation and control within the public transport industry;
  • The KZN Department of Transport then established the Public Transport Enforcement Unit (PTEU) that had in its employ 39 officers at its inception in 2002;
  • Established to curb public transport violence in the Province of Kwazulu-Natal;
  • To eliminate illegal operators;
  • Curb route invasion and encroachment;
  • Enforce compliance to public transport legislation inter alia permits/operating licences;
  • Curb passenger overload in public transport vehicles;

  • Eliminate un-roadworthy public and freight transport vehicles (as pictured above);
  • The PTEU was successful in its operations and the Department sought to increase the specialized operations by establishing other specialized units within the same component. This then resulted in the formation of the Special Operations Directorate, now known as the Public Transport Enforcement Services Directorate, that has the PTEU, TTIU, TTIG, VTSIU, ARMS & AMMUNITION housed within the Directorate.


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