E-hailing drivers will begin receiving their transport permits from Friday under the new National Land Transport Amendment (NLTA) Act.
The legislation requires drivers to obtain operating licenses that clearly outline the geographic areas in which they are permitted to transport passengers for payment.
According to SABC News, Department of Transport spokesperson Collen Msibi confirmed that the new laws governing e-hailing services in South Africa will take effect this Friday.
‘So they’re going to be very specific in terms of where you should operate. Secondly, you need to have an operating licence, and the driver must also have a Professional Driving Permit (PDP). It is also important that the app being used must be registered with the regulator. If it is not registered, there are hefty fines of about R100 000. If you operate illegally, you could face up to two years’ imprisonment,’ Msibi said.
In a statement, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport, Donald Selamolela, stressed that drivers must hold a PDP, pass a criminal background check, and ensure their vehicles are fitted with panic buttons for rapid emergency response. Drivers must also keep their profile photos updated to allow accurate identification by clients.
‘Should drivers fail to adhere to these new regulations, they could incur a two-year prison sentence or a financial penalty of up to R100 000.
‘Regulators are also empowered to withdraw or suspend licenses as needed when an operator is found to be violating the NLTA.
‘The minister approved the NLTA in March this year, and the legislation is currently being translated into a second official language ahead of its being gazetted for implementation,’ said Selamolela.
The new legislation will be introduced to better regulate the e-hailing industry, following a substantial increase in violence against e-hailing drivers in Soweto and KZN.
The Minister of Transport recently confirmed that the National Land Transport Amendment (NLTA) Act, will introduce regulations for e-hailing services like Bolt and Uber, which may assist in de-escalating the tensions with taxi drivers.
‘Under this legislation, e-hailing drivers will no longer need to use charter permits and meter taxi operating licenses and instead receive an official e-hailing operating license.
‘Vehicles will also carry or be branded with a sign indicating they are e-hailing vehicles, and their licenses will indicate the geographic areas in which they are approved to operate.
‘Drivers will be vetted and subject to criminal record checks under the new regulations, and a professional driving permit will also be required,’ said Selamolela.
Compiled by Anda Tolibadi
First published on African Insider
Also see: KZN government to step in and bury slain e-hailing driver
