Question NW61 to the Minister of Transport
21 February 2017 - NW61
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)Have any vehicle testing stations been found not to have complied with legislative requirements in the (a) 2013-14, (b) 2014-15 and (c) 2015-16 financial years; if so, in each case, (i) which stations and (ii) on what date; (2) whether any of the specified vehicle testing stations have been closed; if not, what are the reasons in this regard; if so, on what date; (3) (a) what are the reasons for the inconsistent application of standards in each province and (b) what action is her department taking to address this issue?
Reply:
(1) Yes. The detail of question (1) is dealt with in Tables 1, 2 and 3 attached as Annexure A, B and C. For the sake of clarity, a TS 4 Recommendation refers to a warning issued to the vehicle testing station as a result of unresolved findings against the vehicle testing station. A TS5 recommendation refers to recommendation for suspension as a result of continuous unresolved findings.
(2) The detail of question (2) is dealt with in Tables 1, 2 and 3 attached as Annexure A, B and C:
(3) (a) In terms of the National Road Traffic Act, Act 93 of 1996, Motor vehicle registration, testing and licensing remains the responsibility of the applicable MEC in a province. With it comes the responsibility to provide services in this regard. In terms of the legislation the Inspectorate for Testing Stations must make recommendations to the MEC in terms of the compliance of vehicle testing stations in the province. It remains the prerogative of the MECs to make their own decisions with regard to the recommendations.
(b)In order to harmonize the implementation of legislation and standards, the Department has encouraged provincial participation in the Vehicle Technical Committee and Legislation Forums. Furthermore, legislation is going to be amended to ensure that the requirements are standardized.