Shippers using high-cube containers continue to do so, with the authorities turning a blind eye to a clear infringement of Regulation 224 (b) of the National Road Traffic Act 1996.
The legislation sets the maximum legal height for vehicles without abnormal permits in South Africa at 4.3m.
The problem is that when ISO high-cube containers are transported on 1.6m deck height trailers, the overall height is approximately 4.5m, which is just 20cm over the legislated limit.
The rule is waived for vehicles such as double-decker buses and car carriers, which are allowed up to 4.6m under certain conditions.
There was no response at the time of writing to a written request for an update on the implementation or scrapping of the legislation sent to the Department of Transport (DoT) by Freight News.
The industry has been pressing for the regulation 224(b) to be amended since the Act was passed.In 2011, the DoT exempted vehicles transporting ISO high-cube containers from prosecution under the regulation.
Initially set for seven years, the moratorium has been extended numerous times while the industry and government continue to negotiate.
- Read the full article in our Freight Features edition on "Road & Rail".
