‘Naïve’ to think Aarto will change driver behaviour

The Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (Savrala) has weighed in on the Aarto issue, stating that it is astounded by the RTMC’s intention to implement Aarto nationally on April 1, given the extent of the outstanding issues. “Without question, the current level of road carnage is unacceptable, but it would be naïve to think that Aarto, as last presented in early 2011, offers the solution to changing driver behaviour. “Savrala has repeatedly indicated its full support for the successful implementation of Aarto and has shown its willingness to engage further in order to achieve the desired result – safer roads for all – and not for the purpose of providing an additional source of revenue for the metros.” Savrala, as a member of the Business Unity South Africa (Busa) transport task team, attended several Nedlac (National Economic Development & Labour Council) discussions on Aarto last year. “Government, represented by the Department of Transport, seems to have effectively dismissed both the Nedlac process and its participants by choosing not to present the results of the Aarto Pilot Study and various other critically important documents, in order for Nedlac members to consider Aarto and make a positive contribution,” a spokesman said.