In a memo to the freight industry, Mitchell Brooke, logistics development manager of the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) highlighted the proposed new heavy vehicle restrictions (Reg 318A), and the department of transport’s latest standpoint on this contentious issue.
This was part of the DoT gazette of May 11, No. 38772.
· Reg 107D. Manner and contents on which an applicant for the renewal of a driving licence card is to be evaluated.
· Reg 247. Circumstances under which persons may be carried on goods vehicle – eg. Not more than 5 people in the goods compartment of a goods vehicle
· Reg 250. Persons not to be carried in goods compartment for reward unless allowed in terms of the NLTA. School children not to be transported in the back of a bakkie.
· Reg 292. General speed limits. 40 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h outside an urban area, 120 km/h on a freeway and 100 km/h on a freeway that passes through a residential area.
· Reg 318A. Prohibition of operating on the public road of a goods vehicle the gross vehicle mass of which exceeds 9000 kilograms at certain times. (06h00 – 09h00 and 17h00 – 20h00, Monday to Friday)
But it was the last of these that was at issue.
Said Brooke: “I attended a session organized by the SA Shippers, Transport and Logistics Council (Sastalc) on Monday May 11, in which the above regulations were discussed with the DoT.
“Notwithstanding the strong opinions from the freight sector against such legislation (318A) – with comments being taken into consideration by the DoT – these proposed regulations could very well become legislated.
“The DoT appealed to rather focus comments on constructive alternatives, as opposed to direct criticism on the proposed regulations.”
Comments may be made within four weeks from the date of publication.
