Question

Does the laws of this country require roadmarkings, as in lines and the letters STOP painted on the road and a stopsign on a post next to the road or is only one or the other acceptable?

Answer

A stop sign is a regulatory sign which directs a road user to take or not to take a specific action. A stop sign is posted at place which through research and historical data has become a hazardous location. Road markings fade over time and in some areas are neglected. A road traffic marking may be used to improve the conspicuity of the stop sign. One is sufficient. 

Question

How to use road safety when walking?

Answer

We have decided to include a section on "distractions and walking in traffic". We are finding more and more pedestriabs busy on cellular phones, ipods etc. View this section on the website: http://www.arrivealive.co.za/pages.aspx?i=2864

Question

I recently received the Renewal of Motor Vehicle License form for my car and am suprised that there is no way for license holders to make the payment online. It is cheaper, safer, quicker and more efficient than the options available, cheques or cash via post. If you would like to encourage owners to comply with the law would it not make sense to utilize the technology we have to achieve this? I hope to hear a response to this feedback.

Answer

Thanks for your enquiry.

The Department of Transport has invested in the National Traffic Information System (eNaTIS) with a view to providing better services relating to licence booking systems, online renewal of vehicle licences, payment of fines, etc.

That said, the specific service that you mention is currently at an advanced stage of development. The service providers from the banking sector, the mail distribution services and the Department’s contractor are in the process of finalising and testing the software to ensure that it is a sound solution.

The service will be launched in the first quarter of this year and will undoubtedly make the process of renewing your vehicle licence in the future far more efficient. Check regularly on www.enatis.com for the latest information in this regard.

Question

Would just like details on your next Aarto course please.

Answer

Please take note that the RTMC is only training trainers from Local and Provincial Government, SAPS, Justice and the Sheriffs on the registered AARTO Unit Standard. Our service provider is also training private clients outside the RTMC AARTO Training contract.   Contact Helga Van Wyk at 012 - 470 9290 or [email protected] for more information.

Question

I would like to have a street party and would like to close the road in front of my house, please advise if this would be possible, could you possibly explain how i should proceed.

Answer

Please contact your local traffic station/ municipality or metropolice in order to apply for permission to close the street for any purpose. The concerned authority will decide whether to give approval or not. The route to follow is to:

a) Request permission from the local council / municipality for such closure.
b) Meet with all home-owners / residents in the street who would be affected by the proposed temporary road closure.

I am sure that the municipality will require you to investigate and provide information / answers / details regarding what measures you will take / provide to ensure the safety of all road users, marking / directions for alternative routes, explain how other members of the public and businesses will be affected, what freight / passenger transport effects there may be, etc.

Question

Please could you provide information on the laws regarding where a stop sign should be placed. I am looking for laws governing the actual position, as in on a corner, so far from the curb etc. My son has been involved in an accident where the stop sign is concealed behind a row of trees. There are no road markings indicating a stop street or a warning (stop 300m) of the impending stop.The stop sign is only visible closer to the intersection which in this case was seen to late. (there are also no street lights) If you have advise or alternate websites I will be very grateful

Answer

The method of erection, placing and marking of stops signs and road markings are covered in the SADC Road Signs Manual. The right person to contact would be Leslie Johnstone at department of Transport in Pretoria (012 309 3000).

Question

I have many reports and do not have the time to report through your system. I want to sent you a report on Windows Excel Format. Can this be arranged and please forward the e-mail address. I hope to can accomodate this request.

Answer

You are welcome to forward the reports in which ever format you are comfortable with, provided detailed information is included. The call centre’s e-mail address is [email protected]

Question

Hi, I have a toyota tazz and i only have 2 seatbelts in my back seat. i am looking to instal another seatbelt as my children have friends over. can you recommend who installs safety belts and whether it is sabs approved. thank you

Answer

The best is to take the vehicle to Toyota. The will have a list of Toyota approved suppliers (and will also have the relevant part)

Question

We are interested in finding out if there are specifications in place on speed humps in residential complexes in South Africa. We would appreciate it if you could come back to us with these details.

Answer

Yes – there are engineering specifications. These will be available from local authorities or provincial departments of transport. There also might be some information available from SANRAL (www.nra.co.za) – the institution tasked with building national roads.

Failing that – the national department of transport has developed guidelines that cover signs, road markings and other traffic calming devices. The best person to contact would be Leslie Johnstone (012 309 3000).

Question

Recently at the toy run in Johannesburg I saw 2 bikes towing small trailers. Is this legal in South Africa? I have seen many Harleys with trailers in the USA. Is it safe?

Answer

According to the National Road Traffic Act, Act 93 of 1996, specifically Regulation 330 (g): you may not tow a trailer behind a motorcycle.