Vehicles tested for roadworthiness on the spot

Two roadworthy mobile testing stations were launched in Nelson Mandela Bay. At the launch were, from left, Warren Prins (director: traffic and licencing), Nqaba Bhanga, (NMB Mayor), John Best (MMC for safety and security) and Yolande Faro (NMB Metro Police Chief). INSET:Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor, Nqaba Bhanga, watches a demonstration of a vehicle being tested for roadworthiness during the launch of the two mobile law enforcement centres. Photos:supplied

MOTORISTS in Nelson Mandela Bay can now expect their cars to be tested for roadworthiness at any given time right on the spot if they are pulled over.

This follows the recent launch of two mobile law enforcement centres donated by the Road Traffic Management Corporation, that form part of the 15 testing stations launched by Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, in December last year.

Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor, Nqaba Bhanga, highlighted the importance of these mobile roadworthy testing vehicles and said that they intensified the metro’s capacity to enforce the laws of the road.

“We must do everything in our power to ensure that illegal, unlicenced vehicles on the roads are removed. Those who do not pay their fines will be caught now, too, because vehicles will be tested on the spot and we will be able to see if you have fines or warrants,” Bhanga said.

“That will enable us to make a decision whether to impound the vehicle or make an arrest. This is serious business. New technology is making it easier for the traffic department to do their work,” he added.

“It is our commitment to ensure that there is law and order in Nelson Mandela Bay to protect our citizens because we must build a safer city for our children to live in.”

Nelson Mandela Bay mayor, Nqaba Bhanga, watches a demonstration of a vehicle being tested for roadworthiness during the recent launch of the metro’s two mobile law enforcement centres.

Director for traffic and licensing in the metro, Warren Prins, explained that a vehicle that did not look roadworthy would be pulled over and, after receiving instructions from the examiner, the vehicle would be placed on a ramp connected to the mobile station and tested.

“We will do brake and lower control arm testing. There are eight cameras on the [mobile testing] vehicle, which means that we will be able to see under the vehicle [that was pulled over],” Prins said.

“Everything will be recorded as we test the vehicle so if you want to take us to court, we have sufficient evidence. You will also receive a printout at the end of the test,” he explained.

According to Prins, there are three aspects to the testing process if a vehicle is found to be unroadworthy: A motorist can be issued with a fine, a vehicle can be discontinued or if a vehicle is in a certain condition, it can even be impounded.

“It’s either one of the three, two of the three or even all three. That will be the consequences in terms of how we will operate when we are out there,” he said.