SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This study focuses on road freight transport in South Africa, as one part of a transport system which should integrate different modes of transport. Road freight is seen not only as closely related to the movement of passengers, but also as integral to the process of production. The efficient organisation of road freight transport is seen to hinge largely on minimising the waste of capacity. Better utilisation of infrastructure, new technology, new methods of operation and of organising human resources are seen to be key elements in improving efficiency. However, the economic imperative of eliminating wasted capacity have to be matched by environmental and social imperatives. A transport policy framework therefore has to encompass these factors. Part One of the study includes an overview of existing transport policy objectives, and suggests some possible alternatives. Part Two describes and analyses the relationship of transport to the South African economy as a whole and the economic structure of freight transport (both road and rail). Part Three describes and analyses the administrative framework which currently determines the operation of the freight transport industry. Part Four looks at road freight transport in more detail. The role of freight transport in manufacturing, commerce, and agriculture in South Africa is analysed; various technological developments are explored; external costs such as fuel and maintenance are detailed; and ownership within the road freight sector is analysed. In the Conclusion the author draws some implications of the issues explored in the rest of the study for road freight transport policy formation.