WC slams Quantum decision

The decision to allow continued licensing of illegally modified Quantum vans was an "appalling dereliction of duty", says Western Cape transport MEC Robin Carlisle.

He was responding to what he said was an announcement by the national department of transport that it would rather modify illegally converted vehicles than leave passengers without transport.

"This argument is fallacious because the taxi routes are generally overtraded," Carlisle said.

"It is outrageous to say that trade trumps public safety."

Government's first responsibility was to protect citizens from danger.

Carlisle said evidence from the Western Cape provincial legislature working committee's findings supported his view that illegally modified converted quantum vans should be banned without exception.

Carlisle's department has stopped issuing operating licences for the vans.