The implementation of a pilot project to assess the impact of abnormal cargo on provincial roads has been described as a huge step forward. According to Road Freight Association (RFA) CEO Gavin Kelly, the transport department has on many occasions threatened to ban abnormal vehicles from operating at peak times. The objective of the pilot project is to establish whether it’s feasible for abnormal load hauliers to increase travel over weekends and public holidays on provincial roads. It will also explore ways of reducing the cost of doing business by encouraging abnormal vehicle operators to travel during less congested periods. The pilot, which started in March, is being run in conjunction with the Gauteng provincial department of transport. Kelly said the ultimate objective was to push for longer operating hours for abnormal load transporters. “We are hoping to gather enough data in this project to make some real change in this sector. While the pilot may only be in Gauteng at the moment, we know that the other provinces are watching and keeping up to date with developments.” According to Kelly, abnormal registers are now also up and running in North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. “Prior to the beginning of this year you could only register in Gauteng, KZN and Western Cape.” Operators can now register in their home provinces. Kelly said officials had been trained in the provinces, and in many the RFA was still assisting and guiding authorities to improve the system.
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We are hoping to gather enough data in this project to make some real change in this sector. – Gavin Kelly