DA: Ford Ranger’s are allegedly converted to “passenger-carrying trucks”

The Democratic Alliance (DA) claims that 70 new Ford Ranger vehicles have been blocked by a roadworthy test station in Durban, as these vehicles were allegedly converted to “passenger-carrying trucks”; the party further stipulates that these pickup trucks are similar to the illegal panel vans that are being converted into taxis.

DA claims that the Department of Transport has been aware of this illegal practice

Chris Hunsinger, the DA Shadow Minister of Transport, has written to Transport Minister, Fikile Mbalula, as he claims the Department of Transport has been aware of this illegal practice of converted vehicles since 2005, and a new trend has caught fire as these vehicles are being converted into ambulances too.

Through this alleged practice, road safety is compromised and the party further claims that the Department of Transport has failed to act decisively and impound these vehicles following the National Land Transport Act.

“What upsets us more, is the fact that illegally converted ambulances were not even addressed under remedial action in the report and the trend of un-homologised conversions is not dealt with either. The fact remains that these Toyota Quantum Taxi’s, and now ambulances are also converted into passenger-carrying Ford Ranger transporters; which are being “registered” on the Department of Transport’s Natis-system – in what seems to be a legitimate, “over the counter” process.”

Chris Hunsinger, the DA Shadow Minister of Transport

The Public Protector released a complaint that echoed the lack of action taken by the Department

The party further states that the regulations and strict manufacturer restrictions under the factory-design are not being administered to with registrations of these vehicles.

In March, the Public Protector (PP) released a complaint to the Department of Transport, back-dating to 2012, the complaint echoed the lack of action taken by the Department and the failure to implement remedial action recommendations.

“Conversions are only possible through a producer-involved process of homologation which includes rigidity-testing. If these processes are not followed and the Department of Transport continues to fail in acting against illegally converted taxis and ambulances these unroadworthy vehicles will continue to find its way into private and public emergency and health care facilities across South Africa, as well as neighbouring countries like Namibia and Botswana.”

Chris Hunsinger, the DA Shadow Minister of Transport

The party further claims that the lack of action from the Department of Transport and failure to implement Public Protector’s remedial action will only fuel the illegal act.