South Africa : New device to test un-roadworthy vehicles in KZN

By Siboniso Ntuli

Park Rynie - A new mobile device, the Brake Roller Tester machine, will soon help to detect and remove from the road vehicles that are un-roadworthy in an effort to reduce accidents.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison launched the device, which is the first mobile inspection facility in Africa, at its Road Safety Summer Holiday Campaign on Tuesday.

"The mobile inspection facility will allow law enforcement to detect, prosecute and suspend vehicles found to be un-roadworthy for offences such as defective brakes, anywhere in the province, without the vehicle being driven to the nearest testing station," said MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Bheki Cele.

The mobile facility, the MEC said, will assist law enforcement in combating the crime on a level which has previously been out of reach of the average law enforcement officers, who have in the past had to rely on fixed RTI stations throughout the province for inspection facilities.

He further said the department continues to be innovative in its efforts to reduce road accidents and clamp down on un-roadworthy vehicles.

According to the department the acquisition of this device was the result of extensive research and study tours of best practices worldwide undertaken by the department, which resulted in identifying the device in London.

Mr Cele said it was subsequently purchased at R1.5 million from Australia after it was designed and manufactured especially to suit South African conditions.

In addition, he said, there was also a support vehicle with 3G connectivity to the eNaTIS system, giving the operators instant information on vehicle and owner particulars and history.

Mr Cele pointed out that this machine complies fully with all South African legislation and is maintained and calibrated by a local company.

A principal provincial inspector, Tony Shuttleworth said the machine will make their work easier and quick, because they will be able to get results on the spot.

"As it is a mobile device, we will make sure that it moves to all the regions of this province. We will focus more on public transport," said Mr Shuttleworth.

MEC Cele added that the department will continue to do everything they could to reduce road accidents this festive season. - BuaNews