Truckers call for stricter entry levels

Outrage over a spate of fatal trucking accidents has galvanised the industry into action with truckers calling on government to address some the real issues behind the carnage – the lack of driver training as well as entry levels into the industry. “There are no entry levels to enter the transport industry,” said Kevin Martin, chairman of the Durban Harbour Carriers’ Association (DHCA). “If you have money and can buy a truck then you can operate. There is no requirement for any formal training in the Road Transport Act.” Add to that the lack of driver training and road carnage becomes understandable. “A public driving permit only requires that drivers have finger prints done to ascertain if they have a criminal record. They undergo a medical test and have their eyes tested. Nowhere are real driving abilities checked or tested.” He said with no road transport quality standards in place anyone could own and operate trucks while at the same time just about anyone could become a truck driver. The Road Freight Association (RFA) agrees saying that driver training, which is the domain of the Department of Transport and its provincial counterparts, is fundamentally flawed. RFA spokesman Gavin Kelly said along with improving driver training the need for ensuring that truck owners maintain compliance is just as necessary. Martin and Kelly agree that to address road carnage the basic foundation of transport in the country has to be addressed. “Firstly we need to establish entry levels for companies entering the transport sector,” said Martin. “And then we need to revisit driver training.” At the same time, he said, cargo owners needed to re-examine whom they are hiring to move their goods. “There are many cowboys on the road. Why? Because someone is paying them to move their goods. And ultimately the cargo owner is just as responsible as the untrained driver and the unprofessional trucking company. If we want to see fewer accidents, we have to start looking for the best transporters and not just hiring anyone to move our cargo because they’re cheap and quick.” During a two-day road safety summit organised by the DoT in Johannesburg recently, it was agreed that change would only be brought about if all the role-players in the transport sector worked together. The more than 2000 delegates called for several interventions, which include the development of a specific National Road Safety Act that will bring stiffer penalties for road traffic contravention. Calls were also made for minimum standards to be set by the SABS/National Regulator for Compulsory Standards (NRCS) for all public transport vehicles. CAPTION Truck carnage ... 'Ultimately the cargo owner is just as responsible as the untrained driver and the unprofessional trucking company.'