Cape Chamber concerned about proposed new road traffic regulations

Lusanda Bill

12 June 2015

The Cape Chamber of Commerce said the new road traffic regulations which call for the retesting of all drivers every five years, will present huge logistical problems.

Earlier this year the Special Investigative Unit revealed that more than 50% of the driving licenses issued between 1998 and 2002 were defective.

President of the Chamber Janine Myburgh said we would support a more targeted approach in which drivers who have been involved in road accidents and have accumulated a number of traffic fines are called for retesting. This would make the retesting programme more targeted and cost effective.

Meanwhile the Chamber has also raised its concern regarding the proposed lowering of speed limits.

Government wants to reduce the general speed limit from 60km/h to 40km/h, and has gazetted the proposal.

Myburgh said The 80 km/h speed limit on all urban and rural roads except freeways is also problematic and will be difficult to enforce.

“The quality of rural roads varies considerably and many of them are extremely good and provide safe driving conditions for speeds up to 100 km/h and even 120 km/h. Each road should be assessed on its merits and the appropriate speed limit should be imposed.” Myburgh added.