Question

I am trying to find an easy to understand explanation for towing trailers with a GVM under 3500kg. What vehicle is legally required to tow a specific trailer? The difference between towing an unbraked trailer and trailers with a run-on brake system. I know that the TARE of the towing vehicle plays an important part, does the engine size or kilowatt output of towing vehicle also play a part?

Answer

The regulation deals ONLY with the TARE of the drawing vehicle and the TYPE of braking system the TRAILER will require. Are you happy with the understanding of this? Your question relating to engine size or kilowatt output: The Act does not relate the power of the drawing vehicle to the mass or GVM of the trailer.

Question

Are there specifications available for camera , lasers and hand held cameras and who governs these? Is there a national act governing this and is there a code of conduct regarding the installation and use of these? Where can the general public get hold of these rules, regulations and specifications. I ask these questions as I travel substantially throughout SA and in my opinion some of these cameras are used illegally by traffic officials as there seems to be no standard. If you look on the international websites regarding municipalities and governments who install cameras and the installation thereof you will find that these authorities strictly govern the installation and monitoring of them. I feel that in some instances the cameras are now been used for commercial gain and not for law enforcement.

Answer

The technical specifications / types / equipment details are all legislated in the Road Traffic Act and are specifically named and documented through standards supplied by the SABS. These are available from the SABS. Further technical data is available from the manufacturers (but that is not of interest in terms of what you are looking at). The use thereof (ie how the law enforcement is to be conducted as well as the method of prosecution) is covered in the Prosecuting Guidelines for Speed Devices as issued by the Dept of Transport. This is formed through a meeting of all the DPP in the provinces. View these guidelines on the Arrive Alive website under the section on speeding.

Question

Is it already legal to drive quads on the road? I saw one the other day with special tires. Please provide me with info.

Answer

Quads are defined as a motor vehicle (own type) with licencing to drive falling under "motor cycle licences” at present. No - quads may not be driven on public roads unless they meet the roadworthy requirements as laid down in the SABS Code 047 or the regulations relating to roadworthiness as published in the Road Traffic Act (this schedule is similar to the SABS 047 requirements). If you wish to drive the quad on a public road - take it to a roadworthy / test centre for assistance and roadworthiness check.

Question

I am a teacher near Amanzimtoti. I'm planning an educational excursion for my Grade 11 learners. I'm very concerned about their safety and I would like to know how I can go about ascertaining that the buses from bus tour operator that I will be choosing, actually are roadworthy. Please advise me as to where I can go or who do I contact to get this information.

Answer

There are three ways of checking: 1) Look at the roadworthy certificate and operator permit on the bus window (but these could be false and that means refusing to board on the time and day of departure); 2) In the contract with the operator, request confirmation that all vehicles are roadworthy (and request copies of relevant documentation) and stipulate in the contract that you will take legal action should this prove to be not so; 3) Contact your local traffic authority and request that they assist you in the matter. Probably the BEST option. Let us know how this goes for future reference.

Question

Could you please assist me to finding the law on visibility of speeding cameras?

Answer

There is no law relating to the "visibility" of speed cameras. The law rests on the following presumptions: 1) It is an offence to drive (a vehicle) faster than the posted speed limit; 2) The posted speed limit will be communicated to drivers as prescribed (this refers to the size, colour and shape of road signs - ie the speed sign); 3) Drivers of vehicles will be warned of speed prosecution as prescribed (this refers to the camera signs /or written warnings seen with / near to speed signs); 4) Speed prosecution will be performed in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Act and in particular with reference to Chapter 29 (this deals with the type of equipment, how it will be set up, how it is monitored, who may operate and how notices will be served). There is NO mention in terms of concealed / hidden cameras. I trust this will answer the query you have. Also visit following sections on speeding on the Arrive Alive website: http://www.arrivealive.co.za/pages.asp?mc=speeding&nc=prosecuting* Prosecuting guidelines http://www.arrivealive.co.za/pages.asp?mc=speeding&nc=lawenforcement* Law enforcement criteria

Question

How do you report an unlicensed driver to the authorities?

Answer

You are welcome to forward detailed information on the driver or report the matter to the local authorities. Should you opt to report the matter to the Call Centre, the information needed is the name, address and registration number of the vehicle regularly driven. More information such as the regular route the driver uses. A letter will be sent to the nearest authority for action to be taken against the driver.

Question

I am a news editor at turf fm which is situated at University of Limpopo. During the course of this week we read about jobs available in your department and now majority are coming to the station seeking the info and who to contact. Please send info so I can help them.

Answer

Thanks for the enquiry. It is true that from time to time the department of transport advertises vacant positions. Normally each advert will carry the address and the contact for making enquiries. Your best bet is to use the advert as a basis to respond vacant position. The departmental contact person for vacant positions is: Mrs Susan Kruger Department of Transport P/Bag x 193 PRETORIA 0001.

Question

Are pedestrians allowed on the freeway?

Answer

No It is illegal for pedestrians to be on the freeway. National Road Traffic Act, 1996 National Road Traffic Regulations, 1999 Chapter X : Rules of the road and matters relating thereto Part I : Rules of the road 316. Duties of pedestrians 1) Whenever a sidewalk or footpath abuts on the roadway of a public road, a pedestrian shall not walk on such roadway except for the purpose of crossing from one side of such roadway to the other or for some other sufficient reason. 2) A pedestrian on a public road which has no sidewalk or footpath abutting on the roadway, shall walk as near as is practicable to the edge of the roadway on his or her right-hand side so as to face oncoming traffic on such roadway, except where the presence of pedestrians on the roadway is prohibited by a prescribed road traffic sign. 3) No pedestrian shall cross a public road without satisfying himself or herself that the roadway is sufficiently free from oncoming traffic to permit him or her to cross the road in safety. 4) A pedestrian, when crossing a public road by means of a pedestrian crossing or in any other manner, shall not linger on such road but shall proceed with due despatch. 5) No pedestrian on a public road shall conduct himself or herself in such a manner as to or as is likely to constitute a source of danger to himself or herself or to other traffic which is or may be on such road. 6) A pedestrian may cross a public road only at a pedestrian crossing or an intersection or at a distance further than 50 metres from such pedestrian crossing or intersection.

Question

Could you please tell me which camera system is being used at the traffic lights and on the roads to catch the culprits. A client of mine in the Middle East have asked me to source a South African Product for them as they believe that we will be using the best of the best.

Answer

There are various systems being used (authorities have the choice of using any equipment that is approved by the SABS). A publication is available from the SABS which lists the type and specifications of the equipment being used. In many cases authorities are using Truvelo, Prolaser and LAdar systems.

Question

It would be appreciated if you would forward the contact details of the most appropriate person to discuss the marketing of a safety related product via Arrive Alive.

Answer

Arrive Alive does not endorse any specific product. Marketers of products can market their products in support of Arrive Alive if we are satisfied that it furthers the objectives of Arrive Alive. For further information contact: Dikotsi Sekatane (012) 309 3262 or Joshua Raborifi (012) 309 3537.