Without trucks, South Africa stops. This is the message from the Road Freight Association which is calling for public support in its efforts to stop the Department of Transport (DoT) implementing a proposed reduction in axle mass loads and the prohibition of moving certain goods by road. According to Gavin Kelly, RFA spokesman, the RFA has circulated the letter from the DoT to all stakeholders and roleplayers in the industry. “We need public support in this matter. The perception is that trucks damage roads and that is not true. If the DoT implements this proposal, transport costs will increase and the consumer will pay more. It will impact negatively on the economy.” Kelly said road freight associations from neighbouring countries have already pledged their support to the RFA along with several other agencies. “We have also contacted agencies like the CSRI and SANRAL to gather more information and establish if there has been research conducted around the DoT proposal.”
