Negotiation stalemate over cross-border permit hikes

The issue of cross-border permits is still a major bugbear for the SA road transport industry. The Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (CBRTA) hiked up not only the cost of these permits, but is now also demanding one permit for each country. Promulgated by minister of transport, Sibusiso Ndebele, under section 51 of the amended Cross- Border Road Transport Act, and applicable from April 1, the cost, for example, of a 12-month new/ renewal permit for Freight Class 2 (the classification into which the standard cross-border truck fits) now costs R5 720, a 239.88% increase over the previous cost of R1 690. And added to that, there is a R760 application fee (with no indication whether that is per application per vehicle), and a R760 compliance fee (also not indicated if per vehicle). The Road Freight Association (RFA) took up the cudgels on behalf of the truckers, and sent a letter to the minister of transport, expressing its members’concern about the newly promulgated permit demands. “We also addressed a letter to the CBRTA, expressing our feelings, but we have as yet received no reply – despite promises that the matter would be dealt with,” said RFA technical and operations manager, Gavin Kelly. He also told FTW that the association members had all called for legal action to be taken if nothing transpired from the negotiations with the agency and minister. “We have obviously tried to avoid this legal option,” Kelly added. But the tardiness of any response from the CBRTA would appear to be bringing a court case somewhat nearer.