New project aims to consolidate freight statistics

ANNA COX STUDIES ARE under way to establish freight hubs and handling facilities along key routes in a bid to improve South Africa's freight logistics in the next financial year. That was the message from national transport minister Jeff Radebe, following a two-day transport lekgotla held in Pretoria last week. Over and above upgrading the main freight corridors, the department intends rolling out three key projects on track and trace, the freight intelligence framework and the national Freight Information System, all aimed at consolidating freight statistics in the county into one single source. Radebe also announced that a pilot project for the long-awaited points demerit system and traffic infringement management would start in Tshwane in January. This includes compulsory retraining and retesting of drivers after serious crashes or repeat violations. “This is a mechanism which will deal with lawlessness and reduce road fatalities,” he said. A special unit will also continue with its investigation of fraudulent driver licences to reduce levels of corruption in testing centres. On the Durban - Gauteng corridor, a Durban Freight Plan is already under way, he said. The second phase of the establishment of the Harrismith freight hub has started while discussions are progressing around the future and possible role of the Cato Ridge freight hub and handling facility. On the Gauteng – Cape Town route, a Western Cape databank has been finalised.