Durban - The Democratic Alliance(DA) in KwaZulu-Natal said the province’s roads remained a ‘death trap’ throughout the duration of October, which was Transport Month.
DA KZN spokesperson on Transport, Sharon Hoosen, said the Department of Transport deserves a zero for its performance last month after several people died and scores were injured in road accidents across the province.
“Despite much fanfare around Transport Month, KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) Department of Transport (DoT) has failed to step up, with the result that our province’s roads have remained a death-trap during the past 31 days,” she said.
Hoosen said the party is deeply saddened by the loss of so many lives.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the families who have been affected,” she said.
Hoosen said Transport Month is supposed to highlight road safety. However, the past month did not see the Department address the factors that contribute to crashes.
“The DoT’s performance during this important month deserves a zero score. Of equal concern is MEC Sipho Hlomuka and his Department’s ongoing failure to acknowledge solutions proposed by the DA in the form of a 10-point plan at the start of the month,” she said.
Hoosen said the Department could not continue doing the same thing and expect a different result.
“While the DA welcomes awareness campaigns around safety, it is clear that this is not enough and that a much harder line needs to be taken by the DoT.
“The DA expects the MEC to acknowledge our solutions and commit to implementing them in the absence of any constructive plans from his Department. KZN’s roads must be made safer. One life lost is one too many,” she said.
The plan includes:
- An increase in RTI officers, with round-the-clock visibility and further restrictions on trucks utilising the fast lane;
- The installation of camera at accident hotspots and the development of an electronic system, where citizens can report ‘real time’ road offenders;
- Compulsory defensive driving training for truck/taxi drivers before licences are issued;
- Increased law enforcement at truck stops to deter criminal activity / More truck stops to avoid driver fatigue;
- Heavy fines for operators of unroadworthy trucks/taxis;
- Strict monitoring at 24-hour weigh bridges/Introduction of more weigh bridges and enforcement of weight restrictions on certain roads;
- Strict monitoring of overloading passengers and goods;
- Implementation and monitoring of a 100km maximum speed limit when transporting children and;
- Zero tolerance attitude to drunk and reckless drivers.