Improving roads and road safety through better management

South Africa’s road network plays a pivotal role in the country’s agri-logistics industry, but heavy-vehicle traffic and the effects of overloading are major problems on roads. Oliver Naidoo, managing director of JC Auditors, explains how the Road Transport Management System aims to improve road safety and increase the productivity of the logistics value chain. Jeandré van der Walt reports.

-  Jeandre van der Walt

What is the Road Transport Management System (RTMS) and why was it established?

Overloading causes premature road deterioration and, together with inadequate vehicle maintenance, high levels of driver fatigue and poor driver healthcare programmes, contributes significantly to South Africa’s poor road safety record.

The RTMS is an industryled, government-supported, voluntary, self-regulatory scheme that encourages consignees, consignors and road transport operators to implement a management system that demonstrates compliance with the Road Traffic Regulations and contributes to preserving road infrastructure, improving road safety and increasing productivity.

The RTMS standard comprises four main pillars: load control, safety and compliance, driver wellness, and training and development. In essence, RTMS was initially established as an overload control mechanism, but has evolved into a tool that is making a significant contribution to road safety in South Africa and neighbouring countries. JC Auditors conducts audits for companies that want to be RTMS-compliant.

How big an impact does the agri-logistics industry have on South Africa’s roads?

The industry has a massive impact on the country’s roads. Ultimately, all agricultural goods must be moved from farms to markets, and trucks are often the only viable transport mode. Given that the agriculture sector has such a vast transport footprint, all sectors will benefit from RTMS by way of better roads as a result of the minimisation of overloading, fewer crashes, reduced vehicle downtime and improved fuel consumption.

What are the main risks for heavy vehicles in the agri-logistics industry in South Africa?