#ICYMI: AA weighs in on misunderstandings

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The Automobile Association has received numerous calls from concerned motorists about alleged traffic law changes but has called for road-users to remain calm and gain a greater understanding of the facts.

The organisation said they were advising people to stop repeating rumours about new traffic laws if they do not have the facts at hand.

Spokesperson for the AA, Layton Beard said the Minister of Transport was entitled to add new regulations to the National Road Traffic Act, or change or repeal old ones. This process starts with the department of transport issuing a proposed amendment for comment, which is published in the Government Gazette. A comment period follows during which the public can give its input on the proposal.

“Once the comment period closes, the department will consider the comments received from the public and then decide how to proceed. The law-making process is quite flexible, and just because something is proposed in the Government Gazette doesn’t mean it will necessarily become law,” added Beard.

The AA said the latest Facebook frenzy was over speed limits and heavy vehicle operating hours, which stemmed from a proposal published in the Government Gazette in 2015. The organisation criticised ‘Facebook warriors’ who have spread panic surrounding this issue.

“It would be more productive for people to make submissions to the department of transport during the comment period, giving their views on a proposal, than for them to whip up a frenzy on social media when it’s too late,” said Beard.

“Every proposal is published with contact details, including an email address, so citizens can make their voices heard. We advise people to make use of these opportunities so that they can safeguard their rights by opposing some of the questionable regulatory proposals published by the department.”

Details: www.aa.co.za

Read: AA weighs in on new laws frenzy