SOUTH AFRICA: NATIONAL LAND TRANSPORT STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK (2023-2028): COMMENTS INVITED
On 3 March 2023, the Department of Transport published the National Land Transport Strategic Framework (2023-2028) (NLTSF) in terms of the National Land Transport Act 5 of 2009.
The NLTSF covers many functional areas of transport, including freight transport and cross-border transport, and aims to produce a land transport system based on integrated efficiency and viable economic growth while providing for transport options that are safe and accessible.
Interested persons are invited to submit public comments within 30 days from publication (being on or before 2 April 2023).
Freight transport
The NLTSF vision is to create an 'effective regulatory and institutional framework using international best practice systems, technology and efficient management to provide high standards of operational quality and minimal externalities in a sustainable road freight sector which provides efficient service to South African industry'.
Key performance areas:
- ‘Improve heavy goods vehicle safety performance; roadworthiness; and self-regulation (RTMS certification and compliance).
- Reduction in overloading by enforcing limits on axle limits and gross vehicle mass.
- Providing effective and safety freight corridors which enables safe and accessible urban planning.
- Provision of alternative routes for the transport of hazardous materials.
- Optimise road, rail and pipeline freight balance.
- Separation of freight and commuter rail infrastructure to improve efficiencies in both sectors.’
Cross-border transport
The NLTSF vision is to 'facilitate seamless and integrated movement of people and goods, to reduce system costs as well as transit and turnaround times to enhance trade and economic development in the SADC transport system'.
Key performance areas:
- ‘Operational efficiency at border posts.
- Investment in infrastructure upgrades and maintenance.
- Harmonised Regional Transport regulation, guidelines, and standards.’