Control Unit to step up
inspection of buses, taxis
PHILIPSBURG--The Department of Control, Inspection and Security will dispatch members of its Control Unit soon to conduct inspections of passenger buses and taxis.
The controls will focus on checking for the requirements/documents of passenger buses and taxis and will be done in all districts. “For example, the Unit will be controlling whether help drivers of buses or taxis have the necessary documents, that these documents (correspond), that the number plates of the vehicles (correspond) and that they have the correct licences,” a press release stated.
“In addition, the control unit will also check for the allotted time of each help chauffeur and that the driver has not violated or passed the valid six months (in which they are allowed to operate). If this is the case, the help driver needs to renew their permit.”
The release said the department had initiated a press campaign to inform the public of this impending control, during which the extraordinary police will be in the streets controlling whether drivers are adhering to the law.
Holders of taxi or bus licences or permits are being asked to have their papers in order. The Department is also asking bus drivers, help chauffeurs and taxi drivers to have their documents in order. Transportation companies should also ensure that their employees have the appropriate licences for the vehicles they are given to drive.
The control unit consists of extraordinary police who have the same authority as police except that they don’t carry weapons. “That should not be a reason for disrespect from the public, for the consequences could be grave,” the release stated. “Disruptive persons could be arrested for disorderly conduct. If the circumstances and the papers and licences are not in order, there is the possibility for the bus to be impounded.”
Driver’s licences, bus permits, help drivers’ requests, school buses, road tests, casino controllers, taxi dispatchers, security guards, and public transportation all fall under the Department of Control, Inspection and Security.
