Road freight infrastructure and safety

Keeping our roads safe, efficient, and resilient is essential for a thriving freight system. The Western Cape Mobility Department (WCMD) works with industry partners to improve road freight infrastructure and promote safer, more sustainable transport practices.

Road Transport Management System 

Smarter, Safer, Greener Freight

The Road Transport Management System (RTMS) is a voluntary, self-regulation system that helps transport operators improve safety, reduce costs, and protect road infrastructure. By adopting RTMS, companies commit to better driver behaviour, vehicle maintenance, and regulatory compliance. 

RTMS is already in use by leading operators in the Western Cape. According to the Western Cape Freight Demand Model (WCFDM™) 2020 report, RTMS adoption can significantly improve road safety, reduce environmental impact, and unlock major fuel savings.

Benefits of RTMS include:

• Fuel Consumption Reduction
• Crash Rate Reduction
• Transport Cost Reduction
• Cost Savings (Fuel, Accidents, Emissions)
• Emissions Reduction
• Driver Behaviour Improvement
• Enhanced Road Safety
• Environmental Impact

Objectives of RTMS include:

• Overload Prevention
• Daily Vehicle Safety Checks
• Compliance with Road Regulations
• Minimise Crashes
• Safety Performance Management
• Preventive Maintenance
• Promotion of Defensive Driving Fatigue Management
• Driver Training
• Driver Wellness

RTMS is more than a compliance tool – it is a catalyst for change. It supports safer roads, healthier drivers, and more efficient freight movement across the province. Learn more about RTMS here https://rtms-sa.org/  

Performance Based Standards  

Smarter, safer, and more efficient freight for the Western Cape

Performance Based Standards (PBS) is an alternative regulatory system for heavy vehicles. It allows for innovative vehicle designs that carry more freight with fewer trips – reducing congestion, emissions, and road wear.

PBS focusses more how a vehicle performs, rather than restricting it to rigid size or weight limits.

Instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach, PBS assesses how safely and efficiently a vehicle can operate on specific routes, matched to its freight task. This allows for innovative truck designs that can carry more freight in fewer trips – reducing congestion, lowering emissions, and causing less wear on our roads.

PBS at a glance

PBS regulations have four levels, each with its own performance requirements and route permissions:

• Level 1 – Operates on all routes; up to 30% more payload.
• Level 2 – Route-restricted; up to 60% more payload.
• Levels 3 & 4 – Operates mainly on private or remote roads (e.g. mining sites); payloads can exceed 140 tons.

All PBS vehicles in South Africa must operate as part of an RTMS-accredited fleet to ensure safety and roadworthiness.

Why PBS matters

PBS vehicles have been successfully used in other provinces under the Smart Truck Programme, delivering impressive results for road safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

According to CSIR research (Dec 2023), PBS vehicles have:

• Reduced crash rates by 40% – thanks to better design and maneuverability (1.82 crashes per million km vs 3.01 for standard trucks).
• Reduced trips by 31% – with 834,911 fewer trips completed, easing congestion and cutting operating costs.
• Saved R877.4 million in fuel annually – through route and load optimisation.
• Prevented 107,234 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually – supporting climate change goals with 12% fewer emissions.
• Reduced road wear costs by R26,500 per vehicle per year – through improved load distribution.

PBS in the Western Cape

In the Western Cape, PBS vehicles have historically been used in limited applications due to the absence of supportive policy. However, recognising their potential, the Western Cape Mobility Department is developing a dedicated PBS Policy – making us the first province in South Africa to do so.

This policy will:

• Support the safe rollout of PBS vehicles across key freight corridors.
• Modernise the freight fleet to be more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
• Improve road safety for all road users.
• Enhance freight reliability and reduce logistics costs.

A smarter freight future

PBS vehicles align with the Western Cape’s vision for:

1. Better and dignified transport – reducing congestion and emissions while improving freight fleet standards.
2. Efficient, reliable, and cost-effective freight systems – fewer trips, optimised distances, and significant fuel savings.
3. Coherent regulation – performance-based rules with strong safety oversight.
4. Safer roads – fewer trucks on the road and a proven reduction in crash rates.

The WCMD is committed to introducing PBS vehicles as a core part of the province’s innovative, safe, and sustainable freight transport future.

Freight Driver Health and Wellness

Healthy Drivers, Safer Roads

Professional drivers are the backbone of our freight system – but many face long hours, stress, and limited access to healthcare. That’s why the Western Cape Mobility Department (WCMD), in partnership with GUUD Drivers, launched the Freight Driver Wellness Campaign.

GUUD is a Cape Town-based mobility-tech company focused on improving road safety through driver health and compliance. Their Mobile Assessment Centres (MACs) bring health screenings and services directly to drivers – reducing downtime and improving access.

Drivers receive:

• On-site health screenings (blood pressure, BMI, blood sugar)
• Optometry assessments and glasses
• Support for PrDP renewals
• A personalised wellness profile

Why it matters:

• Fewer accidents and insurance claims
• Improved driver morale and productivity
• Long-term health and safety for the freight workforce

From smarter vehicle design and safer driving practices to proactive health screenings and innovative freight standards, the Western Cape is building a road freight system that puts safety, sustainability, and people first. But lasting impact requires shared commitment.

Whether you're a transporter, logistics operator, or industry partner, explore our resources, adopt best practices, and collaborate with us to shape the future of freight in the Western Cape.