Road freight industry engagement

On 16 October, Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW) hosted an engagement with road freight stakeholders focused on developing a collaborative approach to improving safety in the industry. Inputs were made by representatives of truck drivers, DTPW Traffic Law Enforcement, the South African Police Service, the Transport Education and Training Authority, and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Key problems under discussion included attacks on vehicles, driver fatigue, unsafe stopping places, theft, hijacking, unroadworthy vehicles, speeding, driving under the influence, distracted driving, overloading, dangerous driving by other road users, and the carriage of illegal goods.

Key solution-oriented intervention identified on the day included effective law enforcement, training, support for driver wellness, and voluntary compliance by fleet owners with the CSIR’s Road Transport Management System (RTMS) for safer transportation of road freight.