Overloaded taxis risk lives

Swakopmund&#039;s traffic department has expressed serious concern over the widespread overloading of passengers in taxis.During a recent traffic operation conducted at Festus !Gonteb Primary School, traffic officers discovered 10 learners squeezed into a five-seater taxi.The department&#039;s emergency and law enforcement manager, Melvin Cloete, said: "The safety of our children is non-negotiable. It is imperative for parents to take proactive measures to ensure that their children travel in safe and regulated transportation modes."Cloete emphasised that parents must ensure the safety of their children during their commute to and from school.With taxis frequently exceeding their capacity limits, learners are exposed to conditions that endanger their well-being, he warned.Overloaded taxis not only violate traffic regulations but also pose serious risks to the lives of passengers, particularly young learners who are often unable to advocate for their own safety, he stressed.Keeping watchIn response to this worrying trend, the traffic department has launched an initiative to monitor the situation at Swakopmund schools.During recent operations, 179 unlawful traffic violations were recorded.Cloete said violations ranged from overloaded taxis, unauthorised taxi drivers, expired licence discs and unlicensed guardians and parents dropping learners off at school."Parents are being negligent and are highly advised to take responsibility for the safety and proper transportation of their children," he said.The traffic department has called upon the cooperation of parents, taxi operators and the wider community in addressing this critical issue.Through collective efforts, the overloading of school learners in taxis can be effectively addressed, paving the way for a safer and more secure transportation system for all, the department noted.

Overloaded taxis risk lives

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-13

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Overloaded taxis risk lives

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-13

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