Trip Monitoring System for cross border trucks launched
New cross border truck movements and driver health checks platform is expected to improve efficiency in monitoring and speed up, across the African continent.
Launched last week at the Tlokweng border post, Corridor Trip Monitoring System (CTMS) funded to the tune of €1.6 million by the European Union (EU) and over €500,000 by Germany government has now been installed at major commercial border posts in Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, along sections of three regional transport corridors, and will soon be installed in other Eastern and Southern African countries.
The Minister of Communications, Knowledge and Technology, Thulaganyo Segokgo said the CTMS has proven to be a highly effective and efficient digital solution in the management of safe cross border road transport and compliance to COVID-19 requirements by operators and drivers.
In addition, he said the system will enhance trade facilitation and movement of goods across the Southern African region and beyond. Jan Sadek, the European Union’s Ambassador to SADC and Botswana said the system will boost transport efficiency from Cairo to Cape Town.
“Economic integration is in the EU’s DNA, and we are delighted to help build a transit system that will ultimately streamline trade and travel between all parts of Africa,” said Sadek.
The system equips border agents with hand-held devices to check, validate and register the COVID-19 health status of truck drivers and their crews, as well as the compliance of their vehicles with cross-border regulations and road safety rules. Transport operators will use a custommade app to upload vehicle and driver health information onto the CTMS website. This information can then be instantly accessed by authorised border and law enforcement officials in the country of destination and transit by scanning QR codes shown by drivers. The CTMS also allows authorities and operators to monitor driver trip progression and deviations against pre-approved routes and designated rest areas.
According to SADC, Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Dr. Thembinkosi Mhlongo, the CTMS will minimise the need for paperwork and speed up border procedures, reduce waiting and transit times and allow trucks to deliver essential goods more quickly, while ensuring health and safety measures under COVID-19 protocols.