Crown Publications - Gauteng embargo on abnormal vehicles and load during World Cup to be relaxed on merit

Taking note of the feedback received from the abnormal transport industry on its published notice regarding the embargo on all abnormal vehicles and loads during the soccer world cup, the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has maintained that the published embargo dates are still in force as per the published notice of January 2010.

However, the Department has resolved to apply some relaxations around the conditions of the embargo by considering alternative routes for Abnormal Vehicles and Load movements during the FIFA world cup games. This implies that alternative corridors will have to be identified and approved for AV&L movements during the embargo period for the conveyance of emergency abnormal loads. This will be done without compromising the integrity of the world cup.

The published notice by Gauteng MEC for roads and Transport, Bheki Nkosi, was intended to prohibit the movement of abnormal vehicles and load for the duration of the FIFA World Cup.
The purpose was to ensure smooth traffic flow on Gauteng roads and to protect the integrity of the tournament. The fact that the world cup spectator and related routes have now been clearly defined, it has become possible for the department to allow for emergency Abnormal Vehicles and loads without impacting on traffic movements during the games.

The consultation process with various industry stakeholders has also brought forward the genuine concerns of the role-players, key amongst them being the general economic impact, especially labour costs. The industry also cited that they are not opposed to the embargo, but were worried about penalties for delays incurred at ports for equipment ordered 9 months ago as well as labour-related costs if the embargo is affected as stipulated.

As during all previous abnormal load embargo days, the permit office will remain open for business and can be approached for exemption from the embargo. Certain allowances will be considered for the world cup period. Each application will be considered on merit.

In terms of these possible relaxations on the Gauteng embargo:

All routes identified as world cup spectator and related primary routes will not be available for the conveyance ofabnormal loads or the movement of abnormal vehicles;
Only loads up to 3.3m wide and 22m long with a rear projection of 1.79m and a GVM of up to 120 ton will beconsidered for exemption from the embargo. Any application that exceeds this limitation needs to be accompanied by asworn avadavat from the consignee stating the necessity of the abnormal load movement;
A point by point [full] route description is required for each application made during this period;
If the application involves cross provincial border movement then evidence of approval must be obtained from the otherprovince before consideration will take place in Gauteng;
Abnormal load conveyors will, if issued, receive a single trip permit only;
Permits will be evaluated according to its route and its impact on SWC traffic and issued or withheld accordingly;
Period permits that allow empty abnormal vehicles to move as required will remain embargoed and empty vehiclemovement must also follow the application procedure;
Additional permit conditions may be specified during this period;
Mobile cranes and other vehicles classified as abnormal will have to meet the conditions as mentioned above;
Complying with the above conditions does not necessarily guarantee that an exemption permit will be issued.

The department retains the discretion to limit the number of abnormal exemptions allowed on alternative routes. However, the following exemptions have already been issued without any special conditions:

1. South African Air Force for duties during the SWC 2010

2. Transnet for the utilization of their emergency recovery vehicles

3. No embargo on car Carriers [abnormal only in height]

Issued By the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport
For more information, contact Mr Philemon Motshwaedi, Spokesperson on [011] 355-7466 / 083-648-6870 or

Philemon.motshwaedi@gauteng.gov.za