Congestion plan allows private sector breathing space

PHASE ONE of the Gauteng government's freeway congestion control programme Ð where certain restrictions are to be placed on heavy vehicle movement (see page 6)Ð is the time for the private sector and government to get their ducks in a row, according to Carol O'Brien, who handles transport policy matters for Sacob. But law enforcement, and the current problems thereof, are high in her thinking. ÒPhase 1 will only work if there's 100% law enforcement Ð with zero tolerance," O'Brien told FTW. It will also require a culture of Òself-policing" in the transport industry, something that O'Brien sees as needing active support from the members. The private sector-sponsored investigation at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) will continue, she added. Hopefully they will add their own contribution to decisions on what will ultimately be the best way(s) to control congestion and avoid the unwanted fate of a total truck ban during peak hours. ÒOur standpoint is that we're going to encourage everyone to co-operate in the efforts to ensure that Phase 1 works so that the ban is not implemented," said O'Brien. And, she told FTW, this had been the thought expressed by transport and roads MEC Khabisi Mosunkutu in conversation.