The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) has denied that it’s changing speed limits and fines in the country.
This comes after a communique started circulating that the roads agency is in the process of revising speed limits and enforcing stricter laws to reduce fatalities on the country’s roads.
The document purports to come from a entity named “Sanral Highway Law.”
Sanral added that it does not have the right to enforce speed, safety, or security on the roads.
“Sanral has a distinct mandate to manage the country’s national road network,” said Vusi Mona, Sanral General Manager for Communication and Marketing.
This mandate encompasses the financing, planning, development, improvement, maintenance, and rehabilitation of the national roads, as prescribed by the Sanral Act of 1998.
“The Sanral mandate does not include any enforcement rights, be that related to speed, safety, or security,” said Mona.
Fake news
According to the communique that is being circulated, effective from 1 July, “Sanral Highway Law” will implement adjusted limits across South Africa’s national highway system.
This will purportedly include:
- Urban roads – Reduced from 60km/h to 50km/h
- Rural roads – Reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h
- Highways and national routes – Reduced from 120km/h to 110km/h
- Public transport lanes – Reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h
- Construction zones – Reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h
- School zones – Reduced from 40km/h to 30km/h
If caught speeding, you stand to receive fines of up to R5,000 depending on the extent of your transgression.
The new laws would also have seen a zero-tolerance approach to alcohol consumption on the roads.
Should the police find any alcohol in your system it will warrant a minimum R2,000 fine and the 24-hour suspension of your licence.
Other areas targeted by the supposed new penalty system include distracted driving and general lawlessness.
Texting while driving would’ve seen a R1,500 fine while skipping a red traffic light would’ve cost your R2,000.
Sanral emphasised that these changes are false and urged citizens to report such misinformation if they see it.
“We encourage members of the public to contact Sanral’s hotline number on 0800 204 508 or email at [email protected] if they pick up suspicious information being circulated,” said Mona.
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