AA Applauds Government Plans for SA Roads Overhaul

January 17 - The Automobile Association (AA) applauded the South African government for its plans to improve the condition of the country's roads.

The group said that the government's announcement to include funding in the budget showed that it was serious about making much needed changes to the current road system.

"We are pleased that Treasury has recognized the need for improved infrastructure and may be releasing funds dedicated to road maintenance in the upcoming budget, which would be a welcome relief," said the Head of Public Affairs at the AA, Gary Ronald.

The government has also made plans to improve the N2 road and does not intent implementing a toll system to pay for these improvements.

"This reinforces our view that money can be found for maintenance on our road without fleecing the motorist," said Ronald.

Another move applauded by the AA was the fact that new drivers on the roads will be better trained.

Each year, one million new drivers take to the roads, and the AA wants to ensure that issues such as fake licensing and other corrupt practices are brought to a halt so that the roads become a safe place for all South Africans.

A staggering 1,551 people died on the roads in the festive season preliminary death toll count.

South Africa hopes to halve the number its road deaths by 2015, according to the minister.

Ronald concluded by saying: "We're on the right track, with the policing and enforcement on our roads this festive season making a difference. To make this ultimately effective, we need more public communication and education to ensure that we create higher awareness and change current suicidal behaviour on our roads."