The Western Cape Government has expressed gratitude to the people who are delivering essential services during the lockdown, and issued a reminder that road safety is of paramount importance during the lockdown as at every other time.

While there is a great deal of pressure on truck drivers, delivery vehicle drivers, and drivers transporting essential services workers, at the same time there are very few vehicles on the road. According to the Western Cape Government, “Drivers may be tempted to drive too fast, but this is always dangerous. Stick to the speed limit at all times and obey all the rules of the road.â€

The Western Cape Government’s road safety advice:

  • If you are a truck driver delivering essential goods, sleep well before a trip. Take regular rest breaks. Make sure that you have all the essentials with you (water, sandwiches, snacks, medication and hand sanitiser) to reduce the need to go into shops. Cooperate with law enforcement officers and have all your documentation on hand (e.g. your driver’s licence and waybill). Ensure that your load is correctly distributed and secured properly. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy before you leave.
  • If you are the driver of a truck or a light delivery vehicle transporting essential services workers, make sure that the combined weight of your passengers does not exceed 50% of your total vehicle carrying capacity. Assume each person weighs 68 kg when you do the calculation.
  • If you are a driver of a public transport vehicle, stick to the approved lockdown operating hours, and stick to the speed limit. Remember that:
  • Public transport vehicles may convey passengers from 5 am to 10 am, and from 4 pm until 8 pm only.
  • Minibuses and midibuses are allowed to drop off passengers until 11 am during the morning shift, and until 9 pm in the evening shift.
  • Buses are limited to carrying 50% of their licensed capacity. This means a 23-seater midibus may carry only 16 occupants (15 passengers + the driver).
  • Taxis are limited to carrying 70% of their licensed capacity. This means a 16-seater minibus may  carry only 11 occupants (10 passengers + the driver).
  • E-hailing services are limited to carrying 50% of their licensed capacity. This means a 5-seater vehicle may carry only 2 occupants (1 passenger and the driver).
  • Private vehicles are limited to 60% of their licensed capacity. This means a 5-seater vehicle may carry only 3 occupants (2 passengers and the driver).