North West transport officials this week suspended eight vehicle-testing stations for using faulty equipment that had resulted in unroadworthy vehicles passing tests.
The North West transport department this week suspended eight vehicle-testing stations for using faulty equipment that had resulted in unroadworthy vehicles passing tests.
According to , the MEC for transport in the North West, Phenye Vilakazi, said the machines were unable to reveal faults on vehicles, which was a huge problem when suspect vehicles were being tested.
The stations at Hartbeesfontein, Coligny, Stilfontein, MJ & JC, Ottosdal, Delareyville, Sannieshof and Orkney had not complied with South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) rules of ensuring regular checks of their equipment.
Vilakazi said that an inspection team, which included officials from the SABS, had found that most of the machines, such as the ones used for testing brakes and wheel alignment, were faulty.
Four other testing stations, in Mafikeng, Rustenburg, Leeudoringstad and Schweizer-Reneke, were closed in December for the same problem.
Vilakazi said the problems at the stations had been investigated after the department discovered many certificates of fitness for vehicles that were not fit to be on the road during the festive season.
The stations must provide proof within 14 days that they are following the rules in order to resume operations.
