Light at the end of the tunnel for vehicle permits

THE Department of Transport is beginning to take notice of the urgency of changing the current legislation in place for the application of operator’s permits, says Michael Tatalias, ceo of Satsa. Currently, operators need to apply for permits on a provincial level, instead of a national one. Chapter 2 in the Transport Act allows provincial operators’ boards to adjust the legislation to suit themselves, which according to Tatalias, is causing capacity problems, delays and confusion. “Permits should be processed on a national level, and for this to happen, new legislation needs to be drawn up. If this is done effectively, the entire process should be streamlined, while quality is maintained and new businesses are encouraged,” says Tatalias. A draft bill will be submitted to the National Council of Provinces by the end of the year, which should then be passed on to Parliament. Sue Lewitton (suel@nowmedia.co.za)