The machine is expected to prevent human interferences that may lead to issuing of false roadworthy certificates. According to the member of the mayoral committee on Transport, Planning and Provision, Thumbu Mahlangu, the machine is the only one in South Africa, and is aimed at closing all loopholes for possible issuing of false roadworthy certificates.
“We want to ensure that none of our testing centres will be responsible for issuing false certificates that leads to fatal accidents in our roads. But we also want to lead the vehicle testing industry to go this route in order to promote safety on our roads,” Clr Mahlangu said.
Speaking at the event, Ekurhuleni mayor, Mondli Gungubele, said that the city of Ekurhuleni has achieved being number one in many areas – mentioning Ekurhuleni’s Aerotropolis status.
The automated vehicle testing machine is a R8.5-mil investment that cannot be interfered with by anyone.
“The machine weighs axles automatically, adjusts the brake force automatically, is fitted with a camera and the pass or fail of the brakes is given by the machine, based on the axle mass and the pre-fitted software,” explained Gungubele.
The roll out of the machine has begun with one already installed in Kempton Park, three in Boksburg and two are currently being fitted in Springs.