Self regulation initiative in heavy vehicle transport to address road safety, accelerated road deterioration and transport productivity in South Africa

Abstract

Heavy vehicle overloading and road safety continue to be major problems in South Africa notwithstanding efforts at more effective enforcement by the road and traffic authorities. Overloading causes premature road deterioration and, together with inadequate vehicle maintenance, driver fatigue and poor driver health, contributes significantly to South Africa’s poor road safety record. The Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (LAP) is an initiative to introduce self-regulation, as opposed to legal enforcement, in the heavy vehicle transport industry, and aims to promote professionalism in heavy vehicle transport. In line with the Department of Transport’s National Overload Control Strategy, its aim is to encourage heavy vehicle operators, consignees and consignors to take more responsibility for ensuring that their loads are transported legally. A pilot project, initially funded by the Department of Trade and Industry and Forestry South Africa, commenced in August 2003 to establish such a self-regulation system in the forestry transport industry. The overall aim of the initiative is to promote transport efficiency within the legal framework by creating awareness with transport operator management. The main focus is thus the management of vehicle loading, load securement, vehicle maintenance and driver wellness and training. Although the pilot project was initiated in forestry, the project has been executed keeping the broader heavy vehicle transport industry in mind. During the past 12 months similar initiatives have started in other industries including coal, asphalt, aggregate and sand, pulp, paper and board and sugar. The aim of the department of Transport is to establish a national accreditation system in association with the South African National Accreditation System