Moratorium of Road Traffic Act Regulation 224 (b) extended to 01 January 2020

As you may have heard, there has been some talk regarding high cube containers on South African roads. Below is a summary of the discussion in a nutshell. 

Since 2009, Regulation 224 (b) of the Road Traffic Act stipulates the max permissible height 4.3 meters for normal loads to be transported nationally by road in SA. General 20 ft and 40 ft containers comply with this regulation. However, 40 ft high cube containers are 30cm higher than the general 40ft containers, making them 4.6 meters height in total. This is unlawful without an abnormal road permit.

In 2009, when the regulation was imposed it was met with outcry as all trucks (not including low-bed trailers) that were found carrying 40ft high cubes were impounded. The Road Freight Association (RFA), the Department of Transport (DOT) and other stakeholders consulted, which led to the inauguration of the current moratorium stating that all trucks be exempted carrying loads with exceed this height restriction until 01 January 2019.

With the deadline approaching, stakeholders met again recently to discuss the regulation. Minister of Transport, Blaze Nzimande agreed to grant the industry a reprieve of one year, until 01 January 2020, therefore issuing a year-long moratorium on the application under current road act regulation 224 (b).

The extension will enable the Department of Transport, relevant stakeholders and the industry to participate in gathering required transition research, as well as ensure that adequate time is given to adhere to all laws of South Africa.

We will keep you posted on developments.