Amended road traffic act makes headway

For years, the not-soreputable consignor of goods could employ a cut-price trucking cowboy to carry his cargo, but – when the truck was involved in some incident or other – he could just shrug his shoulders and say: “Not my problem”. But that will very soon be no more, according to Kevin Martin, chairman of the Durban Harbour Carriers' Association (DHCA). “Four years ago, an amended National Road Traffic Act was passed into law,” he told FTW. “But the regulations that support this act have taken that length of time to reach completion. Now, however, they are on the transport minister’s desk just waiting for her signature. “After she puts pen to paper nobody can contract out, but is legally hooked.” The regulations include the penalties for any offences – without which the bare bones of the amendment would have no effect. What will then come into effect is that all goods carried by road will fall under the consignor-toconsignee principle. “This means that they, and everyone in between, will be jointly and severally liable,” Martin added. “It also means that you can sue the consignor – the man who appointed the rubbish trucker in the first place. “They had better know who they are appointing. Look for someone professional and reliable, rather than contracting a trucker purely on price.” This in turn will go a long way to cleaning up the transport industry in SA, Martin felt. “So,” he said, “those people who have always said “It’s not my problem”, think again. It is now.” INSERT & CAPTION Those people who have always said “It’s not my problem”, think again. It is now. – Kevin Martin