1 July 2008 is D-day for the implementation of the amended regulations of the National Road Traffic Act pertaining to the issuing of Category “D” PrDPs. 

Transporters and drivers who haven’t paid attention to  the publication and notices of the implementation date, may find themselves in a position of business operations being negatively affected on expiry of PrDPs. 

The amended regulations require that drivers deliver proof of training as well as a certificate issued by one of the 16 Department of Transport accredited providers when applying for a renewal or a new PrDP. 

The Department of Transport has earmarked eNaTIS as the resource to facilitate and validate the application process. Obviously concerns will be raised in the light of the problems experienced earlier with the transition from NaTIS to eNaTIS. Once the teething problems were solved, the system proved to be very successful. 

The system will be implemented at all the accredited training providers who will upload the required information for processing of the application. Not only will eNaTIS control the face value of documents, but it will eradicate the continuous falsification of qualifications and certificates, which in this sector of the transport industry can result in severe implications for transporters and road users. Furthermore It will be impossible to bypass the system. Should an applicant not be able to provide the required documents – proof of training and certificate – the system will register an administration mark against the Identity number of the applicant. The mark will remain active until the documentation can be produced. Whilst the mark is active no application for a category (D) PrDP renewal or new application, can be processed for the applicant. 

It speaks for itself that minor problems might be experienced initially. A call centre will be set up to facilitate remedy requirements. Transporters and drivers should take the necessary actions to avoid being caught in last minute bottlenecks to get the category (D) PrDPS renewed. 

For further information contact: Edwin Stafford Northcote (011) 315-8932 or Department of Transport’s Dangerous Goods Inspectorate Tel: 012 309 3810