Only 19 out of 64 vehicle testing centres operational in Free State
Ms Leona Kleynhans, DA Member in the Free State Provincial Legislature, reacted with shock that 37 stations are not operating
Police, Roads and Transport MEC, Sam Mashinini, in a written reply to the DA’s oral question last week, said today (November 30 2017) during the sitting of the Free State Provincial Legislature, that out of the 64 testing stations in the Free State, 8 are for the testing of learners licenses while 56 for the testing of roadworthiness of vehicles.
Ms Leona Kleynhans, DA Member in the Free State Provincial Legislature, reacted with shock that 37 stations are not operating.
“It is shocking that 37 roadworthiness testing stations are not operational in the province. The law is quite specific in that all taxis and heavy vehicles must undergo a roadworthy test every year. Now, in the Free State, with only 19 testing stations operational, vehicles are being impounded for this violation,” replied Ms Kleynhans.
“MEC Mashinini does not seem to think this is a problem, as he blithely states in his reply that ‘where such testing stations are unable to supply the certificate, the heavy vehicles can be taken to the nearest town whose station is operational, or to a local private testing station which offers a similar service’.
“While we agree that vehicles should be tested for roadworthiness in order to ensure the safety of all road users, we cannot agree with MEC Mashinini’s dismissive attitude towards the failure of his department to ensure that it delivers the services for which public funds are appropriated,” Ms KLeynhans said.
“MEC Mashinini clearly does not have a clue of the time and cost implications involved to ensure that taxis and heavy vehicles undergo roadworthiness tests in another town or at a private testing station. Private testing stations charge double the rate the department offers. In the meantime, while MEC Mashinini is urging vehicle owners to procure vehicle testing services from the private sector, his department is losing out on much needed revenue, which could assist a great deal in the maintenance of road infrastructure, for example,” she added.
“It is unacceptable that taxi and heavy vehicle owners are expected to obey the law on roadworthiness, and are heavily punished for violations, when the ANC-led Provincial Government cannot even provide the services needed for people to comply.
“This is the typical ANC disregard of their responsibility as a party in government. No wonder our economy is weakening and businesses are struggling, when the ANC is making compliance with laws and regulations almost impossible,” Miss Kleynhans concluded.
