Tankers 'not WMDs'

2003-06-23 20:27

Cape Town - The Road Freight Association (RFA) has reacted with disdain to New National Party MP Johann Durand's accusation that tankers are "weapons of mass destruction" on the country's roads.

Durand has also called the vehicles that transport dangerous chemicals by road "ticking time bombs" and a danger to the public, and has called for them to be moved by rail.

"After the recent spate of accidents involving vehicles transporting dangerous chemicals, their potential to become weapons of mass destruction on wheels is clear," he said in a statement last week.

RFA chief executive Herman Lemmer said in a statement on Monday the reason that more and more loads were being transported by road was because Spoornet did not offer a better solution.

"Rail cannot necessarily respond to customer demands. Their distribution network is not sufficient... and there is no guarantee that a train won't derail or spill either," he said.

Wild accusations

"Durand makes some wild accusations, many of which are not founded or properly researched.

"He also suggests that drivers should be in possession of special driver's licences as well as undergoing extensive driver training to avoid incidents if they are to transport hazardous material."

However, had Durand researched the subject a little more carefully, he would have seen that this was indeed already the case.

Lemmer said Chapter 8 of the Road Traffic Act contained specific requirements for the transportation of dangerous goods, and this included a special driving licence that was updated every year.

"Reputable companies - and there are plenty of them out there - have very effective training programmes in place, and the RFA and the national department of transport hold various workshops around the country on the transportation of dangerous goods, which are extremely effective.

"However, there are probably not enough training institutions to meet the training requirements, and this will be addressed," he said.

Another suggestion made by Durand involved the idea that tankers should only be allowed to operate on designated routes and only at certain times.

Route plans

Lemmer said this matter had already been dealt with.

"Operators are required to lodge route plans with the authorities en route, informing them of the tankers' movements. Many deliveries are already only conducted at night in order to limit the risk to motorists."

Although there were measures in place to maximise safety when transporting dangerous chemicals, the real problem "lies with the traffic authorities".

"More than a thousand traffic officials have already been trained to handle dangerous goods incidents. However, whether this is effectively handled is questionable.

"A task group should be appointed to address law enforcement in general," Lemmer said.

The transportation of dangerous materials would always receive harsh criticism from government and the public alike.

But, it was unfair to imply there was a lack of control and discipline within the transport industry when it came to the transportation of chemicals.

"It is not as bad as it seems to be. Unfortunately, a few incidents occurred over a short period of time and so the subject has come under the spotlight," he said.

- SAPA