Issued by Department of Transport
9 December 1999
Minister of Transport, Dullah Omar, has expressed his thanks to the thousands of bus and taxi operators who have heeded the 100 km/h speed law. It is well known that speed on its own is not the killer. It is usually speed combined with other factors such as poor vehicle condition, bad driver behaviour, poor visibility, etc. Speed is very often one of the major elements of negligence or recklessness.
However, statistics show that speed plays a major role. Minister Omar has taken note of the objections raised by one taxi driver organisation. He has indicated his preparedness to meet with representatives of that organisation and indeed other role players to win co-operation and compliance with the law.
"I intend calling all role players together in the new year to review all road safety measures and to develop a more effective road safety regime enjoying the active support and co-operation of all South Africans", he said.
Our efforts will concentrate on vehicle fitness, driver training, avoiding driver fatigue, road safety education including community based programs as well as better law enforcement. The use of modern technology to control and monitor vehicle fitness, including speed, as well as driver fitness, are currently being considered. There will be a special focus on driving and vehicle testing stations to bring them up to standard and eliminate corruption. All interested parties are asked to submit their views and proposals if they have not already done so. Many inputs have already been received and are being evaluated.
In the meanwhile and pending such review in the year 2000, our first priority is to halt the carnage on our roads during the current holiday period. Minister Omar therefore appeals to all road users to obey the law and the rules of the road, no matter what their reservations may be at this stage. Let us talk together in the new year about the best package for road safety. Law Enforcement authorities will enforce the law strictly.
Minister Omar also appeals to private motorcar owners and drivers to be extra careful to ensure that their vehicles are in good condition and that they obey the law as well as the rules of the road. Minister Omar therefore appeals to all road users to help save lives by obeying the six road safety commandments:
For more information, contact
Mike Mabasa
Media Liaison Officer
to Minister of Transport, Dullah Omar
083 680 7048