Madame Speaker,  

The Department of Transport is one of the departments which has a direct influence on all the citizens of our country. It is unfortunate that, when there are problems with taxis, busses or trains, the public is immediately aware of the situation. Whenever there is a strike, it has a direct impact on the economy and the country. Workers are late for work and those who have purchased coupons have to find money to pay for another form of transport. 

The aim of this Department is to provide an integrated, sustainable, reliable and safe transport system. This is a difficult task to implement.

Yesterday alone the bus service suffered serious disruptions. The Montana depot in the Western Cape was blockaded which resulted in passengers being left stranded along the bus routes. Problems were experienced in the Free State as well as in KwaZulu Natal where the Durban Bus Service is now responsible for the fleet. Thousands of workers are dependant on this and other public transport services.  

The safety of vehicles is also a major problem. Brakes, lights, tyres and registration are very seldom checked. Traffic police seem to be only concentrating on trapping for speed and being at a scene of an accident. The practice of vehicle patrolling is needed as well in order to create awareness of traffic police.  

We are concerned about the vacancies which continue to exist within the Department and the under spent amounts from the previous budget.  

The Road Accident Fund is another cause for serious concern. Motorists pay so much for petrol which includes a levy for this fund. We realise that collecting the levy this way makes the collection easy but what is disturbing is that some unscrupulous lawyers and doctors are making a fortune from this fund. In many cases, even when the fund pays the claims, the bulk of the money ends up in the hands of the legal teams. I was at a hospital outpatients section one morning and witnessed two young men scouting for clients. I asked them what the information was going to be used for and they said they were helping affected people by forwarding their information to lawyers. This is an example of the extent some people will go to in order to rip off fellow citizens.   

The taxi recapitalization programme is an issue which has taken rather a long time to complete. The reason for the establishment of the taxi industry must not be forgotten. Before the introduction of taxis, long distance commuters had to journey for much longer. Taxis reduced the travelling time and inconvenience. There have been many problems with routes and serious clashes due to competing for passengers. Hopefully all of this will be rectified and the management of this industry will be attended to. Vehicles must at all times be in a roadworthy condition and permits must be up to date.  

We hope that the Minister will try to reduce the number of extra heavy vehicles which are destroying our national roads by encouraging the use of rail systems. The high cost of toll roads is mainly due to the maintenance of our roads. Under normal circumstances, the toll fees should be reduced as the loan for the construction is being reduced. 

Because of the rising fuel price, the cost of transport has a direct effect on our cost of living. Food prices are extremely high and, with the unemployment rate being so high, we are heading for disaster. 

The 2010 Soccer World Cup is an important event in the South African calendar. Transport systems to and from airports, hotels and stadiums needs to be planned properly. Congestion during construction and peak periods, especially at airports, is not customer friendly. The safety of the visitors to our country and that of our communities is an important issue that needs attention as well.

 The IFP supports this budget vote. 

Thank you. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Mr Eric Lucas MP: 082 557 2481