Life in the fast lane

Last month, in an effort to try and curb congestion on South Africa's busiest highway, the Department of Transport closed the right lane to all vehicles carrying less than three occupants, between 06h00 and 09h00, on the N1 between Johannesburg and Pretoria. 

Statistics show that the N1 carries some of the highest traffic volumes in South Africa with more than 157 000 vehicles travelling on it every day.  This figure is increasing by 7% a year.  This pilot initiative will hopefully initiate a change in driver behaviour and encourage more people to share cars and therefore, reduce traffic, decrease motorists petrol consumption costs and curb atmospheric pollution. 

According to Angelo Haggiyannes, director of Auto & General Insurance:  "This new system will have an impact on the short-term insurance industry in that, theoretically, there should be less cars on that road during peak times thus reducing our exposure to risk. However, in terms of claim repudiations, people may be negatively affected as many motorists are unaware of the terms and conditions specified in their insurance policies."

Haggiyannes continues:  "Personal motor insurance policies usually state that normal car owners' cover does not apply if you transport passengers for payment.  So, if a vehicle is used to carry passengers, and if those passengers contribute towards the drivers petrol costs, the driver may not enjoy cover if he or she is involved in an accident while driving with the fare paying passengers.  However, it has to be pointed out that this clause is not enforced by all short-term insurers.  Auto & General Insurance, for example, will provide cover for a vehicle being used for a lift club if passengers are simply sharing the cost of fuel and maintenance of the vehicle.  What is excluded from our Policy are vehicles that carry fare paying passengers from whom the driver derives an income, like a taxi or an airport shuttle service."

"Ultimately, the new system, which works well internationally, is a sensible solution to congestion problems and we fully support the Department of Transport with this initiative.   However, for this to work, patience, tolerance and a shift in driver behaviour and attitude is key.  Motorists are urged to keep a safe following distance and adhere to the traffic monitoring signs which will warn motorists about back-ups, accidents and breakdowns," concludes Haggiyannes.