Sanral deploys fleet to ensure motorists’ safety
After receiving queries about the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) branded rescue vehicles on our highways, the NEWS asked Sanral’s spokesperson about them.
NEWS: Are these vehicles part of the e-tolls project?
Vusi Mona (VM): These cars are part of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) and they fall under Sanral’s on-road services. The on-road service units are distributed across the 220km of the Gauteng Freeway Network for the safety and convenience of road users.
NEWS: What is the purpose of these vehicles?
VM: These vehicles are provided for the safety and convenience of road users. The safety of travellers is improved by on-scene management by promptly responding to broken down vehicles, deploying flagmen, traffic signs and traffic cones to prevent fast moving traffic from colliding with the stationary vehicle. Staff will also offer early paramedic treatment at crash scenes to increase the chances of survival for people with serious injuries. In addition, the staff will offer prompt response to obstructions on the roadway that might pose a danger to motorists.
The convenience to the road user is further improved by reducing unnecessary delays caused by traffic incidents and the occurrence of secondary incidents.
NEWS: To whom do these vehicles belong?
VM: These vehicles are owned by Sanral and are managed by Sanral’s contractor. The main goal of Sanral’s on-road service is to improve the safety of motorists and to move stranded and stationary vehicles out of danger to where it will not obstruct the flow of traffic. This service will not transport a vehicle to a workshop, business or residence, but merely to a location that is out of the roadway.
Sanral pays for these services and these on-road services are provided at no cost to all road users.
Sanral’s on-road service fleet comprises ten light motor vehicle towing vehicles, eight heavy vehicle towing vehicles, ten incident response vehicles for scene safety and control, and an additional six medical response vehicles equipped with intermediate life support equipment and six medics on motorcycles. All vehicles are staffed by personnel who are experienced in medical and incident management services.
NEWS: How can these vehicles be contacted?
VM: Any request for assistance, or notification of the accident or incident, must be directed to the Sanral Traffic Management Centre (TMC) at 0800 487 233 (0800 itraffic).
