Transport and Public Works
- How important is it from a safety point for minibus taxis to maintain the correct tyre pressure, (b) what is the typical recommended tyre pressure for a fully laden 16-seater minibus taxi on a long-distance trip and (c) what is his Department or other role players doing (i) to inform taxi drivers of the recommended tyre pressure and (ii) to ensure compliance with this recommended tyre pressure?
- It is important that tyre pressure in all vehicles are regularly checked. Failure to ensure the correct tyre pressure will lead to the uneven wear of the tread pattern and have an impact on the sidewall of the tyre. The tyre is then more likely to disintegrate which could lead to a crash.
The tyre pressure for a laden or unladen minibus taxi is recommended by the tyre manufacturer specifications which is regulated by the South African National Standards (SANS 1550-3 Part 3 27th edition 2.02) for motor vehicle tyre and rims- dimension, loads for the use of Commercial Vehicle Tyres. Tyre pressure will vary depending on the make of the tyre.
The National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996, Regulation 212 (n) regulates that a minibus, midibus or bus operating must be fitted with commercial steel radial tyres which is stringently applied by traffic officials during their daily stop and approach interventions.
- (i) As part of ongoing Road Safety initiatives, key safety checks are conducted
at departure points like Joe Gabie and other roadworthy testing stations particularly when we expect a massive exodus of public transport motor vehicles due to public holidays, long weekends and religious celebrations. These safety checks include compliance with the correct tyre pressure. It also looks at equal tread pattern across the width of tyres, bulges and or cuts.
(ii) Ensuring the correct tyre pressures is the responsibility of the driver. We however do a visual inspection every time a public transport vehicle is stopped and will advise drivers of incorrect tyre pressure or require that the tyre pressure be corrected before embarking further on the journey.
