The South African Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has released a list of South Africa's most dangerous roads. The list consists of 24 road sections where 15 or more road crashes have taken place over the past five years. These are the 24 accident hotspots in South Africa: the R573 Moloto Road in KwaMhlanga in Mpumalanga, the R71 near Mankweng in Limpopo, the N2 near Idutywa in the Eastern Cape, the N2 near Mount Ayliff in the Eastern Cape, the N1 near Naboomspruit in Limpopo, the R61 near Mbizana in the Eastern Cape, the N1 near Mokopane in Limpopo, the R30 between Stilfontein and Ventersdorp in the North West, the R61 near Umthatha in the Eastern Cape, the N2 near Pongola in KwaZulu-Natal, the R61 near Mzamba in the Eastern Cape, the N1 near Musina in Limpopo, the N2 near Mount Frere in Eastern Cape, the N4 near Middelburg in Mpumalanga, the N1 near Laingsburg in Western Cape, the N2 near Port Shepstone in KwaZulu-Natal, the N1 near Makhado in Limpopo, the N2 near Libode in the Eastern Cape, the R61 near Libode in Eastern Cape, the N4 near Nelspruit in Mpumalanga, France van Zyl drive near Parow in the Western Cape, the N3 near Harrismith in the Free State, the M35 near Folweni in KwaZulu-Natal and the N2 near Umthatha in Eastern Cape.
In case of an emergency, motorists may call the following numbers. On the N3 the emergency number is 0800 63 4357, on the N4 the emergency number is 0800 87 2264, on the the N1 the emergency number is 0800 029 999 and the Sanral emergency number is 0800 0800 487.
Showing posts with label rental cars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rental cars. Show all posts
13 December 2022
Traffic accidents: The most dangerous roads in South Africa!
20 August 2019
South Africa's vehicle hijacking & theft hotspots!
Tracker, South Africa's most popular Stolen Vehicle Recovery (SVR) company, has released its vehicle crime statistics for the year July 2018 to June 2019. The "Vehicle Crime Index" - from Tracker's 1.1 million installed vehicle base - covers vehicle theft and hijacking, and provides insight into the time of day and day of the week when vehicle crime is most likely to occur in South Africa.
According to the "Vehicle Crime Index", most activations (Tracker initiated recovery action) for vehicle hijackings take place on Fridays between 11:00 and 13:00 and between 20:00 to 23:00, while most activations for vehicle theft occur Saturdays between 12:00 to 14:00.
Hijacking hotspots in Gauteng:
According to the "Vehicle Crime Index", most activations (Tracker initiated recovery action) for vehicle hijackings take place on Fridays between 11:00 and 13:00 and between 20:00 to 23:00, while most activations for vehicle theft occur Saturdays between 12:00 to 14:00.
Hijacking hotspots in Gauteng:
- Kensington (Johannesburg)
- Arcadia (Pretoria)
- Eldorado Park (Johannesburg)
- Pretoria CBD
- Arcadia (Pretoria)
- Sunnyside (Pretoria)
- Sydenham (Durban)
- Imbali (Pietermaritzburg)
- Avoca Hills (Durban)
- Glenwood (Durban)
- Morningside (Durban)
- Musgrave (Durban)
- Philippi (Cape Town)
- Khayelitsha (Cape Town)
- Maitland (Cape Town)
- Philippi (Cape Town)
- Claremont (Cape Town)
- Dunoon (Cape Town)
26 April 2018
South Africa: Toll tariffs on national roads 2018/19!
South Africa's Department of Transport has approved the adjustment of toll tariffs on national roads for the 2018/19 tax year. The new tariffs, which are getting adjusted on an annual basis, are influenced by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) over the preceding twelve months and reflect the increase in value-added tax (VAT) from 14% to 15% recently announced in South Africa's 2018/19 budget. The adjustments were published in the Government Gazette 41545 (28 March 2018, page 7); the new toll tariffs in South Africa came into effect on 12 April 2018.
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| via https://archive.opengazettes.org.za/archive/ZA/2018/ government-gazette-ZA-vol-633-no-41545-dated-2018-03-28.pdf |
13 September 2017
Malawi to introduce a new Road Access Fee (RAF) for all foreign registred vehicles
The Government of Malawi is set to introduce a new Road Access Fee (RAF) for all foreign registred vehicles. Effective 01 November 2017, the fee is applicable on all foreign registered (small) vehicles and all such vehicles that are currently not paying the International Transit Fee (ITF)*. The RAF will be charged by the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) at Malawi's border posts upon entry in the country in United States Dollars (US$) at a fixed rate of US$20 per vehicle and does not depend on the vehicle's country of origin or the distance to be travelled in the country. The on-the-spot penalty for those failing to pay the fee is US$500 per vehicle.
*The International Transit Fee (ITF) is charged by the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) on foreign registered vehicles with a minimum of two axles. The fee, which is collected at Malawi's borders upon entry in the country, is payable in foreign denominated currency per 100km or part thereof travelled in Malawi.
*The International Transit Fee (ITF) is charged by the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) on foreign registered vehicles with a minimum of two axles. The fee, which is collected at Malawi's borders upon entry in the country, is payable in foreign denominated currency per 100km or part thereof travelled in Malawi.
26 March 2013
South Africa: Extended border hours during the Easter period 2013
South Africa's land borders are getting ready for the Easter period as it is one of the busiest periods for border posts of the year, with exceptionally high numbers of travellers crossing in a relatively short space of time.
- Beit Bridge border post (South Africa - Zimbabwe) will be operating 24hrs from 25 March to 14 April 2013
- Lebombo border post (South Africa - Mozambique) will be operating 24hrs from 25 March to 14 April 2013
- Oshoek border post (South Africa - Swaziland) will be operating 24hrs on 28 March 2013, otherwise it is open from 6am to midnight
- Mahamba border post (South Africa - Swaziland) will operate from 7am to midnight on 28 March 2013, otherwise it will be open from 7am to 10pm
- Mananga border post (South Africa - Swaziland) will operate from 7am to 8pm on 28 March 2013, otherwise it will be open 7am to 6pm
- Qacha’s Nek border post (South Africa - Lesotho) will operate from 7am to midnight from 27 to 29 March 2013, otherwise it will be open between 7am to 8pm
- Kopfontein border post (South Africa - Botswana) will operate from 6am to midnight on 28 and 31 March 2013 and 01 April 2013
- Groblersbrug border post (South Africa - Botswana) will operate from 6am to midnight on 28 and 31 March 2013 and 01 April 2013
- Maseru border post (South Africa - Lesotho) is a 24 hour post
- Ficksburg border post (South Africa - Lesotho) is a 24 hour post
07 December 2012
The N2 is South Africa's deadliest road!
Mind the N2, travellers! No other road in South Africa is claiming more lifes than the N2 between East London and Mthatha in the country's Eastern Cape. According to the Road and Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), an average of 90 people are getting killed in car crashes every year on that stretch of the N2. Further up the N2, between Mthatha and Kokstad, an average of 77 people are losing their lifes every year due to car accidents. Please don't skip the Transkei & the Wildcoast because of the statistics, just be super careful when driving along the N2!
04 October 2012
South Africa: New camera system to nab speedsters in KwaZulu Natal
South Africa's province KwaZulu Natal has introduced a new camera system which will assist in effectively dealing with speeding motorists and those driving un-roadworthy vehicles on the province's roads. The Average Speed Over Distance (ASD) technology and the Smart Roadblock is able to detect speedsters and un-roadworthy vehicles, so that motorists can no longer take a chance by slowing down at known speed enforcement sites and then speed up again after passing the site ("Time over distance" > Speed = Distance / Time).
The Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras (ANPR) for the ASD systems are already strategically located on the N3 which is the national strategic corridor linking KwaZulu Natal to other parts of the country. The camera system will also be installed in other parts of the province where there are high volumes of vehicles.
The Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras (ANPR) for the ASD systems are already strategically located on the N3 which is the national strategic corridor linking KwaZulu Natal to other parts of the country. The camera system will also be installed in other parts of the province where there are high volumes of vehicles.
20 April 2012
Video: Johannesburg to Cape Town drivelapse
Travellers planning to drive by car all the way from Johannesburg to Cape Town (or vice versa) should watch Jordi Giralt's great drivelapse video that he made during the 1400km/900mi (or 16hrs) trip from Florida Park in Johannesburg and Kenilworth in Cape Town. To cover the journey, Jordi took about 6000 photos with his camera which was placed right behind the wind shield of the car.
If you got some spare 5min, watch the video, enjoy the landscape, villages and towns Jordi drove through and listen to the great background music (Boards of Canada - Chromakey Dreamcoat). Kudos Jordi!
If you got some spare 5min, watch the video, enjoy the landscape, villages and towns Jordi drove through and listen to the great background music (Boards of Canada - Chromakey Dreamcoat). Kudos Jordi!
02 April 2012
South Africa: Borders to stay open longer during Easter 2012
South Africa is deploying more than 200 extra immigration officers to deal with the expected high traveller volumes over the Easter weekend. Beginning from today Sunday 01 April 2012, the officers will be deployed to the Free State, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal and Limpopo.
High frequented land borders will also stay open longer.
Mpumalanga:
- Lebombo for 24 hours from 2 April – 2 May (Mozambique)
- Oshoek for 24 hours from 5-6 April (Swaziland)
- Mananga from 07h00-00h00 from 5-9 April (Swaziland)
- Mahamba from 07h00-22h00 from 5-9 April (Swaziland)
- Jeppes Reef from 07h00-22h00 from 5-9 April (Swaziland)
- Groblersbrug for 24 hours from 5-8 April 2012 (Botswana)
- Van Rooyenshek/Van Rooyens Gate for 24 hours on 5 April 2012 (Lesotho)
- Qasha's Neck from 06h00-22h00 on 4 April and for 24 hours on 5 April 2012 (Lesotho)
29 December 2011
Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls runs out of fuel
According to various news reports, Victoria Falls Town in Zimbabwe ran out of fuel over the last couple of days. Bulawayo24 is even reporting that "all (official) service stations in the town had no fuel".
Victoria Fall's accommodation establishments are usually fully booked or close to fully booked during festive season and especially right now, as the famous Victoria Falls Fest is going to start on 30 Dec 2012 for two days of parties and concerts.
Five litres of petrol are currently being sold at US$15 on the parallel market while diesel was at US$13 the same quantity.
Victoria Fall's accommodation establishments are usually fully booked or close to fully booked during festive season and especially right now, as the famous Victoria Falls Fest is going to start on 30 Dec 2012 for two days of parties and concerts.
Five litres of petrol are currently being sold at US$15 on the parallel market while diesel was at US$13 the same quantity.
21 December 2011
Advice for motorists travelling to Zimbabwe
Although it has been through its fair share of turmoil, it seems Zimbabwe is turning a corner and seeing more travelers coming back to visit. But the Automobile Association of SA, would like to give a few pointers to those travelling into Zimbabwe.
"Zimbabwe has introduced new legislation requiring motorists to carry two breakdown triangles and a fire extinguisher (750gm or over in size), effective 1st July 2011," says Gary Ronald, Head of Public Affairs at the AA. "However, as there was so much opposition to the new legislation by the motoring public, and subsequently a parliamentary investigation into the whole Road Traffic Act, these new requirements were not being enforced by the Police - presumably in anticipation of the findings of the parliamentary inquiry."
"With the onset of the holiday season, however, we are now hearing reports of the Zimbabwe Republic Police fining motorists for not having this equipment. In fact the ZRP are on a mission to fine motorists for numerous offences, including many spurious charges," continues Ronald.
For members/consumers who are visiting Zimbabwe over the holiday period please be advised of the following:
"Zimbabwe has introduced new legislation requiring motorists to carry two breakdown triangles and a fire extinguisher (750gm or over in size), effective 1st July 2011," says Gary Ronald, Head of Public Affairs at the AA. "However, as there was so much opposition to the new legislation by the motoring public, and subsequently a parliamentary investigation into the whole Road Traffic Act, these new requirements were not being enforced by the Police - presumably in anticipation of the findings of the parliamentary inquiry."
"With the onset of the holiday season, however, we are now hearing reports of the Zimbabwe Republic Police fining motorists for not having this equipment. In fact the ZRP are on a mission to fine motorists for numerous offences, including many spurious charges," continues Ronald.
For members/consumers who are visiting Zimbabwe over the holiday period please be advised of the following:
- Ensure that you carry 2 x breakdown triangles and a 1 kg fire extinguisher (750gm extinguishers are not available). The latter must theoretically be fixed in the interior of the vehicle where it is readily to hand.
- Fit two white reflectors to the front of their vehicles (a legal requirement).
- Beware of numerous speed traps.
- Be alert to spurious 'offences' for which no receipt is issued for monies paid.
- Be alert to the fact that fines are often levied well over the stipulated amount for the offence (difficult for visitors to assess).
- If a trailer is being towed, an additional set of breakdown triangles must be carried.
- All vehicles must also have two red reflectors fitted to the rear, but these are almost without exception incorporated into the tail lights of every vehicle.
19 September 2011
Video: Driving "Nairobi"-style
If you are planning a trip to Kenya, be prepared for the traffic in Nairobi. Kenya's capital got recently voted the #4 city in the world for "commuter pain". Only Mexico City, Shenzen and Bejing seem to be more painful for communters. At least according to the ranking. So, if you are renting a car in Nairobi, stay calm and go with the flow... ;-)
18 November 2010
Stricter vehicle regulations in Zimbabwe from 01 Dec 2010
According to Tourism Update (citing one of the latest Zimbabwe Government Gazettes), vehicles in Zimbabwe will not be considered roadworthy from 01 Dec 2010 unless they are equipped with with:
Just make sure that, when going there, you got everything with you... and in the right place...
- a fire extinguisher (stored at a visible and accessible place in the cab of the vehicle)
- two warning triangles (in the event of a breakdown you must place one at the front and one at rear of a vehicle)
- a serviceable spare wheel
- an efficient jack and a wheel spanner
- red and white reflectors
Just make sure that, when going there, you got everything with you... and in the right place...
06 August 2009
Do I need an International Drivers Licence in South Africa?
Well, if your driving licence:
[...] Conditions for acknowledgement and exchange of driving licence not issued in terms of Act, and international driving permit
110. (1) Subject to subregulation (3), a driving licence referred to in section 23(1)(a) of the Act, issued while the holder of it was not permanently or ordinarily resident in the Republic, shall, for the period for, and subject to the conditions under which it was issued, be deemed to be a valid licence for the purposes of Chapter IV of the Act, if —
(a) (i) the licence has been issued in an official language of the Republic; or
(ii) a certificate of authenticity or validity relating to the licence issued in an official language of the Republic by a competent authority, or a translation of that licence in such official language, is attached to it; and
(b) such licence contains or has attached to it, a photograph and the signature of the licence holder.
- is issued in your home country
- valid in your home country
- is bearing your photograph
- is bearing your signature
- is in English
If your drivers licence is NOT issued in ENGLISH you DO need an International Drivers Licence to drive a car in South Africa!
In the South African National Road Traffic Regulations of 1999 it says on page 74/75:What is an International Drivers Licence?
An International Drivers Licence allows an individual to drive a private motor vehicle in another nation when accompanied by a valid license from their home country. The document is slightly larger than a standard passport and is essentially a multiple language translation of one's own existing driver's license, complete with photograph and vital statistics. It is not a license to operate a motor vehicle on its own.
An International Drivers Licence allows an individual to drive a private motor vehicle in another nation when accompanied by a valid license from their home country. The document is slightly larger than a standard passport and is essentially a multiple language translation of one's own existing driver's license, complete with photograph and vital statistics. It is not a license to operate a motor vehicle on its own.
Why do I need an International Drivers Licence?
[...] Conditions for acknowledgement and exchange of driving licence not issued in terms of Act, and international driving permit
110. (1) Subject to subregulation (3), a driving licence referred to in section 23(1)(a) of the Act, issued while the holder of it was not permanently or ordinarily resident in the Republic, shall, for the period for, and subject to the conditions under which it was issued, be deemed to be a valid licence for the purposes of Chapter IV of the Act, if —
(a) (i) the licence has been issued in an official language of the Republic; or
(ii) a certificate of authenticity or validity relating to the licence issued in an official language of the Republic by a competent authority, or a translation of that licence in such official language, is attached to it; and
(b) such licence contains or has attached to it, a photograph and the signature of the licence holder.
05 August 2009
some recent tourism news from Southern Africa
Orlando Towers: Bungee jumping in Soweto
Orlando Towers, already known for developing the disused Orlando cooling towers in Soweto into a vertical adventure facility and tourist attraction for Soweto, will introduce Soweto's first bungee jumping facility to the market. They are currently hoping to have the BUNGEE BRIDGE complete some time in July, and will have the BUNGEE JUMP open to the public in August 2009... so start practising... 3,2,1.... BUNGEEEEEEEEE!
Tsitsikamma National Park: Dolphin Trail rebuild
Tsitsikamma's Dolphin Trail, a joint initiative with private parties adjacent the park, which got badly damaged during some storms and fires in 2008, has been rebuild. The semi-luxury hiking 17km trail follows the Tsitsikamma coastal belt, a narrow plateau between the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Indian Ocean.
Open-top bus tour for Windhoek launched
Sense of Africa, a tour company based in has announced the launch of an open-top double-decker bus tour of Windhoek.
Du to the strong demand for cultural tours by visitors they have also set up a partnersip with a community-based operator in the Aabadi Bushman Village.
Zimbabwe: New cars for Avis
Avis Rent-A-Car Zimbabwe is upgrading their vehicle fleet. Zimbabwe's government recently allowed tourism operators to import capital goods on a duty-free basis and hence Avis is investing in new vehicles. Looking at 2010 one managing director said that the delivery of four new Chevrolet Aveo vehicles is the first phase of a programme to bring its fleet up to date and beyond. Well, let us take it as a good sign for Zimbabwe.
Orlando Towers, already known for developing the disused Orlando cooling towers in Soweto into a vertical adventure facility and tourist attraction for Soweto, will introduce Soweto's first bungee jumping facility to the market. They are currently hoping to have the BUNGEE BRIDGE complete some time in July, and will have the BUNGEE JUMP open to the public in August 2009... so start practising... 3,2,1.... BUNGEEEEEEEEE!
Tsitsikamma National Park: Dolphin Trail rebuild
Tsitsikamma's Dolphin Trail, a joint initiative with private parties adjacent the park, which got badly damaged during some storms and fires in 2008, has been rebuild. The semi-luxury hiking 17km trail follows the Tsitsikamma coastal belt, a narrow plateau between the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Indian Ocean.
Open-top bus tour for Windhoek launched
Sense of Africa, a tour company based in has announced the launch of an open-top double-decker bus tour of Windhoek.
Du to the strong demand for cultural tours by visitors they have also set up a partnersip with a community-based operator in the Aabadi Bushman Village.
Zimbabwe: New cars for Avis
Avis Rent-A-Car Zimbabwe is upgrading their vehicle fleet. Zimbabwe's government recently allowed tourism operators to import capital goods on a duty-free basis and hence Avis is investing in new vehicles. Looking at 2010 one managing director said that the delivery of four new Chevrolet Aveo vehicles is the first phase of a programme to bring its fleet up to date and beyond. Well, let us take it as a good sign for Zimbabwe.
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