Urgent call for stricter roadworthy tests to combat fraud and improve road safety
Widespread corruption in roadworthy certification, revealed by recent investigations, necessitates stricter oversight and enforcement to ensure safer roads in South Africa.
The Vehicle Testing Association (VTA), a Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) affiliate, demands urgent action to combat fraudulent roadworthy certifications. This follows revelations of widespread corruption at vehicle testing stations, where certificates are issued without vehicle inspections.
The VTA’s chairperson, Ferose Oaten, acknowledges the validity of Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) findings, citing similar issues in the Western Cape. “We’ve seen people avoid vehicle inspections by producing pre-obtained certificates,” she says.
Addressing the crisis
Oaten emphasises the need to eradicate fraudulent certifications to ensure roadworthy vehicles. “Lives are at stake,” she warns, supporting OUTA’s call for further investigation and urging integrity among testing agents.
The VTA’s national director, Julian Pillay, highlights the disparity in testing frequencies. “Buses are tested every six months, while taxis only annually,” he notes, raising concerns about public transport safety.
Proposed solutions
Oaten advocates for industry collaboration and technological advancements. “Automating test lanes to ARSO [African Organisation for Standardisation] standards, as we’ve proposed to the minister of transport, would significantly curb fraud,” she explains.
Road safety concerns
With alarmingly high road fatalities, stricter roadworthiness standards are crucial. Despite South Africa’s vehicle population of more than 13 million, nearly 80% are not regularly checked. Private vehicles are tested only upon ownership change, while taxis and trucks are tested annually, and buses bi-annually. This leaves a significant gap in road safety.
“The lack of regular inspections, coupled with poor roads and driver behaviour, contributes to road fatalities,” Oaten says. The RMI supports initiatives to maintain a safer vehicle fleet and advocates for more frequent testing, as proposed in Regulation 138 of the 22nd Amendment of the National Road Traffic Act, which is still pending implementation.
“Strengthening enforcement and embracing technology in testing processes are vital steps towards safer roads,” concludes Oaten.
Source: Cathy Findley PR
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