Evaluation of the Road Transport Management System, a self-regulation initiative in heavy vehicle transport in South Africa

Abstract

This paper describes the recent developments of an initiative to introduce meaningful self-regulation in the South African heavy vehicle transport sector using the Road Transport Management System (RTMS) standards. The RTMS standards require that companies responsibly manage their activities to ensure minimal risk to other road users, the road infrastructure and their own drivers, whilst promoting road safety and driver wellness. The successes achieved by RTMS implementation is to a large extent due to the fact that is driven by private sector with active support from industry bodies and government agencies.. The case studies show that significant benefits have accrued to road authorities and the transport industry since the implementation of the project. The increasing momentum of RTMS implementation confirms the value of RTMS as a mechanism to effectively and sustainably improve the safety, compliance and efficiency of road transport in South Africa.