Industry experts are urging South Africa to implement more frequent roadworthy testing for passenger vehicles to improve road safety. Here’s why roadworthy inspections need to be more regular for private cars.
Vehicle Roadworthiness South Africa: Calls for More Frequent Testing
Concerns are growing over the current state of Vehicle Roadworthiness South Africa. While commercial and public transport vehicles face regular inspections, private passenger cars are only required to undergo roadworthy testing when ownership changes. Industry experts are now calling for stricter regulations to improve road safety.
Current Roadworthy Testing Regulations
South African law mandates roadworthy checks for all vehicles, but the frequency varies significantly. Public transport vehicles like minibuses and heavy commercial vehicles require annual testing, and buses must be inspected every six months. However, ordinary passenger cars only need a roadworthy certificate upon change of ownership.
Concerns About Infrequent Testing
Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive, a driver training company, highlights the potential risks of this infrequent testing. He indicates that there’s both a legal and a moral responsibility to ensure vehicles are roadworthy, and the long intervals between mandatory checks for passenger cars are a cause for concern. MasterDrive frequently encounters unroadworthy vehicles during training sessions, underscoring the need for more regular inspections.
Herbert advocates for voluntary, regular vehicle checks to identify potential problems before they escalate into serious safety hazards. These inspections should cover critical components such as:
- Tyres
- Brakes
- Lights
- Shocks
- Steering and alignment
He stresses the importance of professional inspections to ensure thoroughness and accurate identification of any issues. Promoting a culture of proactive vehicle maintenance is seen as essential for enhancing road safety. For a broader understanding of road safety and other motoring related updates, one can check various motoring blogs.
Industry Calls for Change to National Road Traffic Act
The Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) has also expressed concerns and is urging the government to take action. The RMI points to a 2014 amendment to Regulation 138 of the National Road Traffic Act, which proposed biennial roadworthiness tests for vehicles older than 10 years. However, this amendment has not yet been implemented.
The RMI emphasizes that the majority of vehicles on South African roads – private cars and station wagons – are not subject to regular testing. The organization believes that enhanced vehicle testing is crucial for improving road safety and reducing fatalities. The Department of Transport is currently working at improving safety on the roads.
The Tyres, Equipment, Parts Association (TEPA) echoes these sentiments, highlighting the link between unsafe vehicles and road accidents. TEPA emphasizes that safety-critical components like brakes, tires, and lighting must be properly maintained. The South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference (SATMC) also supports more frequent testing, citing the high number of road fatalities in South Africa.
Final Thoughts: The Need for Improved Vehicle Roadworthiness Regulations
The call for improved Vehicle Roadworthiness South Africa regulations represents the importance of road safety. Regular and thorough inspections can help prevent accidents, ensuring that vehicles are in optimal condition for the road.
Do you support more frequent roadworthy tests for passenger vehicles in South Africa? Share your opinion below!
