If you’re concerned that your next trip to Durban will be at a snail’s pace, breathe a sigh of relief because the speed limits on South Africa’s roads are not being reduced.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo
If you’ve heard the news about proposed speed limit reductions on South African roads, it's time to set the record straight.
Here’s what you need to know.
The rumour mill
Recently, a message circulated on social media claiming that the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) was set to reduce speed limits on various roads. This information caused quite a stir, leading many to worry about travel times in Durban and beyond.
Fact-checking by SANRAL
SANRAL quickly confirmed that the information was false. According to Vusi Mona, SANRAL’s communications head, the agency does not possess the authority to alter speed limits. Their role is limited to managing the national road network’s financing, planning, maintenance, and development, as outlined by the Sanral Act of 1998.
The fake speed limits
The misinformation purported that urban roads would see a reduction from 60 km/h to 50 km/h, while rural roads would drop from 100 km/h to 80 km/h. It also claimed that highway speeds would be restricted to 110 km/h from the current 120 km/h and that school zones would have a strict 30 km/h limit during school hours.
Legislative process required
In reality, any changes to speed limits necessitate a legislative process. This includes a proposal from the Department of Transport (DOT) which must be published and opened for public comment before any decision is made. Previous proposals for speed limit reductions have faced public opposition and were ultimately rejected.
Current speed limits and enforcement
The Automobile Association (AA) argues that existing speed limits are adequate for road safety, but stresses the need for improved enforcement. It’s highlighted that speeding will persist unless effective policing of speed limits is established, stating that drivers often ignore limits regardless of how low they may be set.
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