A more efficient freight sector will help support economic growth in the Western Cape. Since the Provincial Freight Strategy was launched in February 2019, the Department of Transport and Public Works has been implementing its strategic recommendations. The Freight Implementation Programme consists of 62 implementation actions to be implemented over 10 years with a wide range of stakeholders including internal DTPW stakeholders, municipal and provincial government departments, Transnet, and the private sector.
Several key milestones have been achieved.
- The DTPW Freight Forum was established to improve coordination between DTPW branches that have an influence on freight transport. Through the collaborative work of the Forum,
- the DTPW aims to create synergies, improve the alignment of freight initiatives, and improve information-sharing. The Freight Forum meets once per quarter to discuss freight issues. Stakeholders are welcome to refer new issues for discussion.
- The Western Cape Freight Demand Model (WCFDM) was developed in 2018 and has been updated every year since then. The WCFDM is a complete set of origin and destination freight movements, per commodity and per transport mode (road, rail, and pipeline). The availability of credible freight data supports evidence-based planning and decision making. The Model was used to identify modal shift opportunities on the three road freight corridors in the Western Cape – the N1, the N2, and the N7.
- An investigation into future locations for intermodal facilities to improve access to an interconnected freight transport network is underway. The establishment of such facilities is expected to support the envisaged shift of freight from road to other modes of freight transport.
- Since August 2020, DTPW has coordinated and facilitated regular meetings with stakeholders to identify freight rail opportunities. These stakeholders include the provincial Department of Agriculture, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP), Transnet, local and district municipalities, and the agriculture industry. These discussions support the objective of a modal shift from road and keep the focus of the freight rail authority on the needs of the Western Cape. A number of envisaged freight rail projects are being considered for implementation.
- DTPW has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA) to improve freight driver skills and competencies.
- Road freight safety messaging has been integrated in Safely Home social media campaigns under the hashtag #donttruckaround. Appropriate freight messages are included in the monthly thematic calendar.
- Road freight safety promotional pamphlets were designed and printed and are being distributed at weighbridges and logistics companies during dedicated road freight safety campaigns. These campaigns have also been widely publicised on the DTPW and Safely Home social media platforms.
- The use of technology to alleviate congestion around the Port of Cape Town received attention through the Ease of Doing Business Task Team. A study into the root causes of congestion at the port with recommendations resulted in Transnet Port Terminals implementing a direct messaging communication service with transporters and piloting a truck booking system.
- The DTPW recently conducted a survey to understand industry knowledge about, perceptions of, and uptake of the Road Transport Management System (RTMS). RTMS case studies show that the system contributes significantly to driver wellness, improved driver behaviour, vehicle and road safety, reduced emissions, and lower costs. The survey outputs will inform how government can support greater adoption of the RTMS.
- DTPW developed functional specifications for freight to be included in the Department’s Integrated Transport Hub. This has formed the basis for the Freight Management System currently under development
Read more about the Provincial Freight Strategy.