Heavy truckers call for urgent changes to ‘outdated’ regulations

IN THE abnormal load road transport industry, regulations dating back to 1971 (the technical recommendations for highways – TRH 11) are more of a hindrance than a help, according to Carl Webb of Natro Freight, a major in the trade. “The TRH 11 was published in 1971, revised in 1979, 1981, 1987, 1992, 1997, and again in 2000,” he told FTW. “The revisions were minimal, without the consultation of the industry, and did not improve the abnormal load industry in any way.” This regulation of the transport of abnormal loads on public roads in SA is outof- date. “The terminology speaks for itself,” Webb added. “When this document was originally published, there were no freeways, only highways. The country and abnormal load industry has progressed way beyond the regulations governing abnormal transport, yet little is being done to address these restrictions.” The abnormal load technical committee (ALTC) at the department of transport has called for tenders to review the TRH 11. “But this,” Webb added, “will take some years to complete – by which time it will be too late for the country.” Meantime, there are a number of conditions imposed which require urgent attention, according to Webb. “Applications are submitted by hand. Permits are then issued by computer, printed, and the original is then required to be with the vehicle/load. “We have requested that permits be submitted electronically, processed within an hour, and returned to the transporter electronically. The permit can then be forwarded for printing to wherever the vehicle/load is at the time.” Abnormal vehicles are also restricted in the cargo they are permitted to transport. “The industry has invested a large amount of time and money in designing and building vehicles which are more versatile, thereby increasing utilisation,” Webb told FTW. “These vehicles are now being restricted in that they are not permitted to transport normal loads on return trips. “The aim of the government is to reduce the number of heavy vehicles currently on the roads. These restrictions contradict this long-term planning.” All this is also likely to have a serious impact on the construction time schedules for projects being developed for the soccer World Cup in SA in 2010. According to Webb, there are insufficient vehicles to cope with the current volumes of work – and this shortage of abnormals in the national fleet is being exacerbated by the archaic restrictions imposed by the current legislation. “We have met with the ALTC,” he said, “and attempted to address the problems. “While they are receptive to a certain extent, the problems will not be resolved in time to ensure that 2010 and related facilities are completed timeously.”