Author:kevin-van-der-merwe
Rail reform on track: What does this mean for transport operators? October 20, 2025 How will the announcement of the 11 Train Operator Companies (TOCs) impact road freight operators? KEVIN VAN DER MERWE says the move could reshape South Africaโs freight landscape, unlocking long-overdue collaboration between road and rail. The announcement by the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, regarding the outcome of Transnetโs TOC slot allocation process marks a historic and necessary step towards a more efficient national logistics system […]
Unpacking roundabouts, traffic circles, and mini-circles March 21, 2025 There is a lot of confusion when approaching roundabouts (more commonly known as โtraffic circlesโ in South Africa) and their much smaller offspring, the โmini-circleโ. KEVIN VAN DER MERWE, executive manager โ certification and operations at the Road Freight Association, explains the differences and how drivers should behave when approaching each one. Some motorists come to a complete stop at a circle, treating it as a four-way stop and wanting to […]
Grace period for heavy motor vehicle licences February 7, 2025 Kevin van der Merwe, executive manager: certification and operations at the Road Freight Association (RFA), reminds operators that the 21-day grace period after a motor vehicle licence expires also applies to heavy motor vehicles exceeding 3,500kg gross vehicle mass (GVM) or gross combination mass (GCM), regardless of what traffic officers may assert. The RFA has been contacted on numerous occasions by operator members seeking assistance and clarity on the grace […]
Potential parking prosecutions unpacked February 7, 2025 Certain law enforcement officers take satisfaction from issuing fines for various โparkingโ transgressions that occur while collecting and delivering goods. Kevin van der Merwe, executive manager: certification and operations at the RFA, examines key elements of the particular offences mentioned. โParkingโ Prosecutions โparkโ โฆ does not include any such keeping of a vehicle by reason of a cause beyond the control of the person in charge of such vehicle.ย During their training, officers […]
Considering the Cross-Border Road Transport Act January 20, 2025 Since mid-2023, the Road Freight Association (RFA) has seen an increase in enquiries relating to the activities of cross-border road transport inspectors at ports of entry. KEVIN VAN DER MERWE writes that these inspectors are becoming more active, and takes a closer look at cross-border permits, the appointment and powers of Cross-Border inspectors, and the offences they police in terms of the Cross-Border Road Transport Act, Act 4 of 1998. The […]
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