Madam Speaker,
 

This Bill is to amend the National Road Traffic Act of 1996.  It is important for all South Africans, national and international visitors and business people to recognize that our authorized officers are both competent and efficient.

Much negativity has been directed at our traffic officers because there have been a number of cases when traffic, as well as licensing officers have been accused of wrongdoing and in fact, with many proven cases of fraud.

It is important that the traffic officers have visible name tags in order to prohibit the impersonation of traffic officers.  We hope that this will make it more difficult for criminals to obtain uniforms and name tags.

The IFP welcomes the fact that all driving licence and testing centres are to be registered. Needless to say, many of our citizens have been able to acquire roadworthy certificates and drivers' licences through fraudulent means.

These amendments are geared to minimize this behaviour. Many vehicle accidents can be attributed to these underhand dealings.

The amendments also seek to ensure that a licence applicant has gone through the proper procedures, resulting in the licensee being capable of handling the vehicle he or she is permitted to drive.

Circumstances when emergency vehicles may ignore road traffic signs and speed limits have been provided for in the amendments.

Number plates are also a serious problem. There are many cases where drivers remove their number plates to avoid being identified. Criminals, in most cases, falsify their number plates. Without scrupulous policing, it will be difficult to achieve the objects of the Bill.

We are pleased to note that there will be training of the authorized officers, which will also promote safety on our roads.

The IFP supports the amendments.

I thank you.