Department of Transport Archives - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

AA launches petition to extend validity period of licenses

vuyi on July 14, 2020

The Automobile Association (AA) has launched an online petition to encourage the Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, to extend the validity period of vehicle licence discs and driving licence cards.

According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), “All Learner’s Licences, driver’s licences, motor vehicle licence discs, temporary permits, roadworthy certificates and professional driving permits (PrDPs) that expired during the period that commenced from 26 March to 31 May, are deemed valid and their validity period is further extended with 90 days from 1 June to 31 August 2020”.

However, despite this concession, the AA believes it does not take into account licences which expired after 31 May, nor the reduced capacity of Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs) to renew driving licences, and the South African Post Office to process discs.

…the majority of drivers in South Africa prefer to remain compliant with the regulations, and to be on the road legally
– Willem Groenewald, AA CEO

In a letter to the Minister on 29 June, AA CEO Willem Groenewald noted that there are problems with the current legacy operational framework of the DLTCs combined with unforeseen circumstances such as COVID-19 which make it difficult for them to service drivers within that timeframe. He said that the current National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) on which people must book appointments continues to be problematic and that centres may be closed intermittently due to COVID-19.

“Our experience is that the majority of drivers in South Africa prefer to remain compliant with the regulations, and to be on the road legally. Despite the system being problematic, drivers take the necessary steps to ensure they remain within the law. However, given the current constraints on the system, many are faced with the real possibility that they may not be able to do this,” Mr Groenewald said.

An added issue, Mr Groenewald noted, was that drivers who are unable to renew discs or driving cards may have problems if they are involved in crashes as insurers may repudiate claims based on the fact that the drivers are not on the road legally.

Our proposed extension date also makes provision for the closure of DLTCs over the festive period…
– WILLEM GROENEWALD, AA CEO

The AA has called for a further extension beyond the end of August to the end of January 2021, which it says it a more feasible option to the current date of 31 August.

“Our proposed extension date also makes provision for the closure of DLTCs over the festive period, and for further potential closures as a result of COVID-19,” he noted.

In support of the Minister resolving the problems, the AA is offering its national network of agents to assist drivers renew their licences. The Association says the Minister should consider allowing third party agents – such as the AA – to perform vehicle disc and driving licence card renewal services which are currently only offered through the DLTCs and the Post Office.

It said that not only will this go a long way in dealing with the current and historical backlogs, it will also alleviate the pressure on the DLTC infrastructure going forward. The AA has not received a response from the Minister nor his office to the letter sent at the end of June. However, the AA will continue to raise this issue wherever it can in an effort to ensure the validity of licence discs, driving licence cards and other licences is extended, and that drivers can drive with peace of mind.

In this regard, the AA is launching an online petition available at: https://www.aa.co.za/petition-to-extend-the-licence through which it wants to attract signatures in support for its call to pass on to the Minister as a sign of the backing its call enjoys among the public.

The Know How About The Tread On Your Tyres

vuyi on June 25, 2020

The choice between an illegal, worn out tyre and a safe tyre could be a matter of life and death especially when you consider the various terrains and conditions we drive on.

This is especially relevant when we get flash rains that make the road surface slippery or drive over spillings. Although second hand, worn out tyres appear to be a more cost effective solution, they reduce the performance of a vehicle by increasing stopping distances, raising the risk of skidding and increasing the risk of blow outs.

At the launch of Transport Month in October 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa said, “It pains me that our country continues to experience around 14,000 road deaths each year.”

“With over 60% of second hand tyres in South Africa deemed illegal, road users need to understand the dangers of driving using unsafe, worn out tyres. “Unsafe second hand tyres as well as worn out tyres are one of the major culprits that cause fatal consequences for road users, especially when one considers that the only component of the vehicle which, at any given point, makes contact with the surface of the road, is the tyre,” stated Darren Hayes-Powell, Group Managing Director at Goodyear South Africa.

Transport plays a critical role in sustaining our economy and commuting people to various destinations, therefore it is of utmost importance that we focus on the condition of tyres, the critical component that keeps the vehicle moving.

“It pains me that our country continues to experience around 14,000 road deaths each year.”
– President Cyril Ramaphosa

A simple tyre check at the end of each week will ensure you keep on top of the safety and wear performance of your tyres. As you park, move the steering wheel to the left or right to expose the front tyres when you exit the vehicle. This will give you easy access and view of your front tyres. It is also important you look at your rear tyres as they may also wear differently depending on how you drive.

These simple checks can ensure that you keep yourself, your passengers as well as the pedestrians around you safe as you drive.

Darren Hayes-Powell, concluded by saying, “Always make sure that your tyres are in good condition, that they are not worn out and if you are buying a second hand tyre, make sure that the tread wear indicator is visible, and it is below the tread across the whole tyre and there is no bulging on the side of the tyres. Adopt the habit of parking your car with the front tyres at an angle to make it easier to check their tread depth. This simple exercise, combined with a stringent quality check, can be the thin line between life and death.”