What is RTMS?

Despite concerted and ongoing efforts for an effective law enforcement strategy by the road and traffic authorities, the sharp increase in heavy vehicle traffic and the effects of overloading continue to be a major problem on South African roads. Overloading causes premature road deterioration and, together with inadequate vehicle maintenance, high levels of driver fatigue and poor driver health care programs, contributes significantly to South Africa’s poor road safety record. The Road Transport Management System (RTMS) is a self regulation initiative that has already shown outstanding results since its implementation and supports the Department of Transport’s National Overload Control Strategy (NOCS).

RTMS is an industry–led, government-supported, voluntary, self-regulation scheme that encourages consignees, consignors & road transport operators to implement a management system (a set of standards) that demonstrates compliance with the Road Traffic Regulations and contributes to preserving road infrastructure, improving road safety & increasing productivity.

The RTMS draft standards (titled ARP 067) has been compiled by the South Africa Bureau of Standards (SABS) and compliance is assessed by accredited 3rd party auditors.

In summary, RTMS therefore is a system that voluntarily regulates the heavy vehicle industry and has achieved significant results in :

• Reduction and minimisation of overloading
• Preventing road damage and preserving our infrastructure
• Enhancing the safety of heavy vehicles on our national roads
• Taking care of truck drivers’ health (Driver Wellness Initiatives)
• Reduction of traffic violations (e.g. reducing speeding incidents)
• Improving efficiency in various industry supply chains
• Actively promoting skills development within the transport sector
• Companies measuring their performance and taking responsibility for the impact of their activities.