I enquired at the department of Roads and transport regarding transporting labourers on the back of a bakkie to and from work sites. the gentleman informed me that they would immediately impound the vehicle for such an “Offence”. I’m finding it difficult to find literature relating to this subject.
Is it possible to construct seats and seatbelts on a bake that has a frame or does one have to transport workers in a separate minibus? Obviously the latter makes viability of a small business less and i can not imagine that this is the only option. lease inform me of the correct restrictions and allowances for transporting labourers on public roads.
Answer:
It is not an offence. If you add seats to a goods vehicle you have to go through a process of approval again as you are changing the goods vehicle to a passenger vehicle. Only registered body builders may do it and you have to reregister the vehicle. It is quite costly.
Reg 247 states when you are allowed to carry persons in a goods compartment and reg 250 prohibits you from charging them for transport.
Circumstances under which persons may be carried on goods vehicle
Reg 247. No person shall operate on a public road a goods vehicle conveying persons unless that portion of the vehicle in which such persons are being conveyed is enclosed to a height of—
(a) at least 350 millimetres above the surface upon which such person is seated; or
(b) at least 900 millimetres above the surface on which such person is standing, in a manner and with a material of sufficient strength to prevent such person from falling from such vehicle when it is in motion.
Provided that no person shall be conveyed in the goods compartment together with any tools or goods, except their personal effects, unless that portion in which such persons are being conveyed is separated by means of a partition, from the portion in which such goods are being conveyed.
Persons not to be carried in goods compartment for reward
Reg 250. No person shall on a public road carry any person for reward in the goods compartment of a motor vehicle
Regards
Alta
Alta Swanepoel and Associates