Get ready for tougher road regulations
HE number of people dying on South Africa’s roads as a result of accidents is growing at an alarming rate and the Department of Transport is determined to introduce stricter regulations to reduce the carnage.
Among those under the spotlight are bakkies and taxis, which transport children to and from school.
Reckless and negligent driving is often the root cause.
The Department of Transport wants to implement new road rules with the hope of reducing fatalities and creating a safer environment.
Ishmael Mnisi, the spokesperson for the Minister of Transport, Dipuo Peters, said major proposed regulations brought to light two years ago would be open for public comment.
“South African motorists can expect these regulations to come into effect from May 1. Drivers will have to undergo a practical test when renewing their licence,” said Mnisi.
He added that when investigating the causes of road fatalities, in most cases they stemmed from human error.
The aim of the practical test, he said, was to determine if a person possessed the ability to drive.
“We have found that many drivers obtain their licences illegally, so this is an opportunity to root out those fraudsters.”
With the recent spike in road accidents involving children, bakkie drivers will be prohibited from transporting pupils at the back of their vehicles.
But employers will be allowed to transport five adult passengers.
They will, however, require a permit issued by the department that will assess a driver’s driving capabilities and condition of the vehicle.
Similarly, if a taxi wants to transport children, it will need the same permit that clearly stipulates it is for school transport.
Mnisi urged parents to first check with the department if the taxi had the required permit before using them as a service provider.
He added that stricter speed regulations had been proposed on heavy goods vehicles, limiting how fast they are permitted to travel based on their weight.
These vehicles will also have to display a sticker with a ‘100’ limit.
He explained that there would be a complete review and revamp of the current K53 test.
It has been proposed that the speed limit be reduced from 60km/h to 40km/h in urban areas, from 100 to 80km/h in rural areas and from 120km/h to 100km/h on freeways running through a residential area.
Mnisi said goods vehicles above 9 000kg GVM needed to be banned from using public roads during peak travelling times.
“We are looking at not allowing them on the road from 9am to noon in order to help with congestion and large traffic volumes.”
He said they were also proposing that driving lessons be incorporated into the schools curriculum through a partnership between the Road Traffic Infringement Agency and the Department of Basic Education.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation and the agency are already planning to implement this programme by providing a driver’s simulator programme for 2017-18.
“Only Grade 11 and 12 pupils will have lessons on a simulator. This will prepare them to get their learners and driving licences.
“The aim is to give learners an opportunity to develop and enhance their skills to become good and safe drivers.”
Msini said the regulations would be monitored by law enforcement and they were taking a zero tolerance approach when it came to implementing them.
“We are not going to sit back and watch the carnage on our roads increase.
“If you are found guilty of any of the offences, you will be taken to task.”
He said they were still fine-tuning the proposal and deciding on whether a merit or demerit system should be introduced.