The document was loaded ontowww.transport.gov.za and is titled "Green Transport Strategy for South Africa: 2018-2050". The Department of Transport's strategy focuses on more than just passengers cars: there are initiatives to reduce emissions across the rail, aviation and maritime sectors too. The comprehensive strategy document is quite long, but we've analysed and pulled out the key items thatwill affect you, the motorist.
While a reduction in vehicle emissions across the national transport network is a core focus, there are also factors such as the country's road infrastructure, which is under strain due to the sheer volume of vehicles on our roads. The Department of Transport has said that it wishes to change the existing model from commercial road transport to rail as well as getting private vehicle users to switch to public transport.The proposed new levies and taxes, or adjustments to the taxes we currently pay (for annual licencing, for example) areof most direct concern to vehicle owners.
Interestingly, there's an encouraging section on electric vehicles, in whichthe Department of Transport recognises the advances in technology and that these low- or zero-emission vehiclesshould be recharged via renewable energy, and potentially work as back-up power sources to homes. There's good news too, as the Department of Transport wants to offerOEMs incentives to sell and manufacture affordable electric cars in South Africa, for both export and domestic use. However, the market for EVs is tinyat the moment, so theproposal is very much with an eye to the future.
Car lifespan changes: The Department of Transport has suggested that a car with an engine mileage of more than 400 000 km should be scrapped or banned from the road.Heavy truck time restrictions: A potential situation where heavy freight/cargo vehicles like trucks can only enter urban hubs during off-peak hours.Congestion tax: This is a stinger as so many people drive into the cities to get to work. The Department of Transport says it will follow international best practice, following the example of cities like London, whichcharges motorists to drive their vehicles within its centre.Environmental tax: There's currently an environmental levy (CO2 tax) and the plan is to apply this tax to commercial vehicles too.Annual license: Taxing of cars will be based on emissions and every 3 years, a vehicle will need to be tested for exhaust emissions and roadworthiness.Emissions standards: The SA rating for emissions is Euro 2, butthere'll be a push for stricter emissions standards… like Euro 5.
While the intentions are admirable, there are numerous questions about, and potential problems with,this strategy. The Department of Transport is trying to get people out of their cars and into public transportand, at this point, we ask ourselves:"What public transport?"
The current Transnet-managed rail service is in disarray, both in terms of passenger service and cargo transportation. MetroRail in the Cape Town region is notoriously unreliable and unsafe. Given the sheer volume of people who need to get to work, we don't think there's enough capacity to get them out of their cars and taxis, even if they did want to make the switch. We hope that the Department of Transport does a lot of research into what's actually happening on the ground and experiences the dire public transport system for themselves, before rolling out unworkableplans.
The Department of Transport's strategy wants to get trucks off the road and move cargo across the country using the rail system. However, the rail network needs work too.
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