Essentially, these will apply to trucks, but, of course, taxis are exempt. Our government and safety legislators can talk all day but when, in my opinion, it comes down to the realities, there always seems to be a loophole just when a strong policy decision is an opportunity begging to be taken.
Take the example of the driving rules from the European Union. In summary, they are:
The revised South African Draft, which operators on our roads are expected to follow, is summarised as follows:
Excuse my total surprise for the following reasons:
In fact, excuse my cynicism, the first time I reviewed this Draft, I actually considered that an unethical operator had undue influence in the compilation of these rules. I cannot think or consider any ethical operator who comes close to operating these abusive hours. I think that is why in the main our best operators are exactly that. They would never consider allowing their drivers to work these excessive hours.
In summary, I am dumbfounded. In a country where we're trying to make the transport sector, specifically long-distance drivers, a career prospect and considering the high levels of unemployment, surely this is the last thing a prospective entrant wants to see?
I am not saying, apply the EU rules, but this Draft is abusive. What does the Department of Labour have to say about these hours?
The Draft goes on to further "accommodate" dual drivers, which is another surprise.
In summary, in my opinion, this Draft legislation does nothing less than entrench the abuse that exists with unethical operators.
Can anybody set the record straight?
I would be very happy to listen and take comfort if I was wrong. Until then I have to suggest that this legislation is poor judgment, but there is an underlying thought that just won't go away - that someone drafting this has applied hours that accommodate abusive behaviour. I hope to be wrong and look forward to the record being set straight if I am.