30 August 2006
The Department of Transport has put in place a new National Road Safety 2006
Strategy to ensure the achievement of the Addis Ababa Transport Summit
decisions by African Transport Ministers in line with the Millennium
Development Goals for the region, one of which is to halve road fatalities by
2014.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), provinces and local
authorities will implement the strategy, approved by the Transport Lekgotla
held on 17 to 18 August 2006, throughout the country with immediate effect.
The strategy ensures the following:
* more stringent punishments for those who contravene the law
* the introduction of periodic vehicle testing
* transfer of more road traffic functions to the RTMC
* improved traffic enforcement on many levels
Enforcement authorities will carry out 1 000 traffic checking/mini-road
block exercises daily to identify:
* illegal vehicles and drivers
* un-roadworthy vehicles
* non-compliance to seatbelt laws
* drivers who are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The Department calls upon every motorist to:
* ensure that your driver's license is valid
* renew your license if it has expired.
Motorists who drive with expired licenses may be fined, and their Road
Accident Fund and insurance claims will be refused if they are involved in a
crash.
Wear your seatbelt at all times when in a moving vehicle, driver or
passenger, especially if provision has been made for a seatbelt. It is the
law.
Enquiries:
Collen Msibi
Cell: 082 414 5279
Issued by: Department of Transport
30 August 2006
