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Despite much fanfare around Transport Month, KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) Department of Transport (DoT) has failed to step up with the result that our province’s roads have remained a death-trap during the past 31 days.

According to reports, 10 people lost their lives and 17 others suffered various injuries over the period. Minibus taxis were involved in the majority of crashes.

In a separate incident earlier today, four people lost their lives in a multi-vehicle pile-up on the N3 near Mariannhill Toll Plaza involving three trucks. This latest crash comes less than 24 hours after the end of Transport Month.

The DA is deeply saddened by the loss of so many lives and we extend our sincere condolences to the families who have been affected.

Transport Month is supposed to highlight road safety. However, it comes as no surprise that the past month did not see the DoT address the factors that contribute to crashes.

It is also increasingly apparent that this Department has become a dumping ground for failed ANC leadership. In fact, the DoT’s performance during this important month deserves a zero score.

Of equal concern is MEC Sipho Hlomuka and his Department’s ongoing failure to acknowledge solutions proposed by the DA – in the form of a 10-point plan - at the start of the month.

These include;
• An increase in RTI officers with round-the-clock visibility and further restrictions on trucks utilising the fast lane
• The installation of camera at accident hotpots and the development of an electronic system where citizens can report ‘real time’ road offenders
• Compulsory defensive driving training for truck/taxi drivers before licences are issued
• Increased law enforcement at truck stops to deter criminal activity / More truck stops to avoid driver fatigue
• Heavy fines for operators of unroadworthy trucks/taxis
• Strict monitoring at 24-hour weigh bridges/Introduction of more weigh bridges and enforcement of weight restrictions on certain roads
• Strict monitoring of overloading passengers and goods
• Implementation and monitoring of a 100km maximum speed limit when transporting children and;
• Zero tolerance attitude to drunk and reckless drivers.

This Department cannot continue doing the same thing and expect a different result. While the DA welcomes awareness campaigns around safety, it is clear that this is not enough and that a much harder line needs to be taken by the DoT.

The DA expects the MEC to acknowledge our solutions and commit to implementing them in the absence of any constructive plans from his Department. KZN’s roads must be made safer. One life lost is one too many.

Issued by Sharon Hoosen, MPL - DA KZN Spokesperson on Transport