End of an era for speeding fines, a new bakkie factory put on hold, and big changes for one of South Africa’s busiest roads

These were the five biggest stories in South Africa’s transport industry this week.

End of an era for speeding fines in South Africa

Fines SA CEO Barry Berman has stated the era of speeding fines, as motorists have come to know them, is ending, and that the country’s new traffic laws will catch up with those who fail to pay on time.

The CEO recently warned households to check whether they have outstanding traffic fines before they go on holiday this Easter weekend.

Berman explained that the country’s traffic fine system no longer relies exclusively on post and that fines are tied to motorists’ ID numbers and business registration numbers, effectively making it impossible for them to disappear.

Major upgrades planned at South African international airport

The Bram Fischer International Airport in Bloemfontein is set to become a major hub for logistics and investment following an agreement between Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.

This month, ACSA and the Mangaung Metro signed a Memorandum of Understanding that aims to strengthen regional collaboration and unlock economic development opportunities in the province.

Bram Fischer is one of several airports earmarked for a significant overhaul, as ACSA has set aside billions of rands to improve terminals across the country, including O.R. Tambo and Cape Town International.

R6-per-litre petrol price increase for South Africa

The price of petrol is expected to go up by almost R6 per litre in April, while diesel is facing an even larger hike of up to R10 per litre.

Data from the Central Energy Fund indicates shows that both fuel types are experiencing a severe under-recovery due to the surging price of oil.

South Africa’s fuel taxes are also set to be increased next month; however, the government announced this week that a Cabinet committee has been assembled to explore possible relief measures for consumers.

Carmaker puts South African factory plans on hold

Stellantis has reportedly put its plans to establish a vehicle production facility in South Africa on hold while it mulls the possibility of adding more production lines.

The carmaker is currently building a brand-new plant in the Coega Special Economic Zone in the Eastern Cape, which will produce the Peugeot Landtrek bakkie.

However, Stellantis CEO Mike Whitfield recently told Engineering News that they’ve paused the project, as the company is now thinking of adding two more cars to the assembly to improve the plant’s long-term success.

Big changes for one of South Africa’s busiest roads

The South African renewable energy-powered, off-grid EV charging company Zero Carbon Charge is expanding the EV charging infrastructure along the N3 between Joburg and Durban.

The charging stations, which are set to be operational by May, will also be able to accommodate electric trucks, something the company proved can be done with a demonstration earlier this year.

“With the N3 now unlocking for electric travel, the next priority is the N1, extending reliable, off-grid, ultra-fast charging along the country’s most critical long-distance routes, said the company.