Permanent roadblocks for trucks

2003-11-02 21:58

Rajaa Azzakani

Johannesburg - The department of transport has indicated that it is compiling stricter legislation for heavy vehicles in an attempt to stop the carnage on the country's roads.

The legislation, which will probably be ratified later this week, comes after 81 people died on South African roads in recent weeks in accidents in which trucks were involved.

Numerous passengers were injured in these accidents.

Ndivhuwo Mabaya, spokesperson for Transport Minister Dullah Omar, said the new regulations would include, among others, permanent roadblocks at the entrance to each magisterial district; making two drivers available for each heavy vehicle crossing borders; heavier fines imposed on offenders; repeating offenders losing their trading licences; more weigh bridges and an inspectorate for checking over-loaded trucks.

Mabaya said the national and provincial departments were very concerned over the current state of affairs on the country's roads and decided to implement plans now that were initially scheduled for implementation over the festive season.

"There will be a cordon of steel around every magisterial district. Trucks in particular will not be allowed to enter a district before the vehicles are tested for roadworthiness and the condition of the driver is checked."

He said long-distance operators - including buses, taxis and heavy vehicles - would have to have two drivers available to ensure that fatigue does not set in.

Offenders will not simply be fined, but will be prevented from continuing their trip.

- Beeld