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The South African Transport & Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) notes with concern the announcement made by the Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele for cabinet to reduce the speed limit from 120km/h to 100km/h as a solution to road accidents. It is clear to us that the Minister came up with this futile idea in an effort to appear to be doing something about the daily road accidents killing our people. We find it hard to believe that the Minister has given this enough thought, making public statements out of emotions is not a way to address South Africa’s road safety challenges.

This is South Africa, not Australia; they don't have general problems South African road users have. Comparing South Africa to other countries only manages to cloud the issue with more dust. Our road safety problems and transport issues are unique to us. A localised solution is required, one that addresses our conditions, our work habits and our transport needs.

Changing the speed limit in this country will achieve nothing, but it will certainly put more money into coffers of those who will exploit the opportunity to make money out this. Is the Minister trying to tell us that Arrive Alive Campaign failed when millions where poured into it?

A simple reduction of the speed limit is not and will never be an solution to road accidents. What is needed is a holistic approach to issues of improving road-safety such as;

· The need for an improved traffic law enforcement- it is time for Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele to "get tough" with his department and review strategies to reduce road deaths

· Advance driving licence(renewable every 5 years) to drive on national roads

· All vehicles that are 5 years and older must undergo roadworthy test every time the licence is renewed

· Give us reliable safe integrated public transport and then see the difference this will make to the statistics.

· Visible policing is the only deterrent to this lawlessness on the roads.

· Clamp down on officials who are selling licence and taking bribes

· Maintaining existing road infrastructures

SATAWU sees this as another way of squeezing money out of the unsuspecting motorists, the poor and the working class. We are already being made to pay for the expensive toll gates and now the Minister wants to penalise us through the reduction of the speed limit. What is required is innovative well thought solution, not knee-jerk emotive reaction.

What happened to the need for public transporters to have a certificate of road worthiness prior to registration or annual licensing? It doesn't appear to be a criteria anymore. Unroadworthy motor vehicles are all over the country, but more frighteningly, on busy national roads. Yet, only periodic roadside check points or roadblocks are conducted to check the roadworthiness of vehicles.

“We don’t believe that a mere reduction of the speed limit will prevent road accidents. We believe that the Minister is ill-advised. The key factor is more visible enforcement of traffic laws and rules, do away with the acceptable alcohol level content because its saying to the public you can drink and still drive and finally deal effectively with those caught driving unroadworthy vehicles.” said Zenzo Mahlangu, SATAWU General Secretary.

Until a respect for traffic rules is inculcated in everyone including ministers' official cars and traffic authorities become passionate about effective enforcement and saving lives, road accidents will continue to increase.