By Koena Moabelo
As part of the provincial government's continued interventions to address road fatalities, Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics Kedibone Diale-Tlabela hosted the first Vehicle Testing Stations (VTS) conference in the West Rand District on Thursday, 19 January 2023. 
The conference, which forms part of MEC Diale-Tlabela's first 100 Days in Office programme, provided a platform to exchange ideas and debate some of the critical issues affecting the sector. It also afforded representatives of the sector an opportunity to present various solutions to the Department aimed at addressing challenges experienced at vehicle testing stations as well as measures to reduce road fatalities. Furthermore, the seminar discussed compulsory periodic tests of vehicles, training of young people as examiners as well as ideas on how to maximise economic spin-offs through public-private partnerships. 
Addressing the delegates, MEC Diale-Tlabela called on the sector to assist and partner with government as it brings development and economic growth to spaces where the people live. 
"As part of our elevated priorities we are saying people in our Townships, Informal Settlements and Hostels need to be the direct beneficiaries as we rollout the testing stations in the province. Our goal is to, amongst others, re-position and align Gauteng Vehicle Testing Stations to the Department's "Smart Mobility" plan, increase the economic spinoffs of VTS through Public Private Partnership, create a corruption-free environment as well as increase accessibility of VTS in the townships," the MEC explained.
The MEC added that VTS plays an important role in reducing road fatalities by improving quality of licensing services offered in both private and public facilities, boost resources, and step up the fight against corruption and other irregularities that impact on roadworthiness.