Press Releases
The Automobile Association (AA) advocates for consumer rights. It also provides useful information to consumers on all aspects of mobility and road use. Read our articles below for more information.
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134 000+ road deaths over ten years,unacceptable!
The annual road fatality statistics for 2017, made available by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) on their website on Friday (SUBS: 20 April), is another indication of the need for urgent road safety intervention on South Africa’s roads. The statistics show the situation on the country’s roads is worsening, despite numerous safety campaigns by government and non-governmental...
What to do if you are caught up in civil unrest
Finding yourself at the centre of a civil unrest situation in your car is not something many people think of. However, recent events in some parts of South Africa mean it is wise to be prepared if this does happen to you. The first, and most important action, is to avoid these areas as far as possible. If you are aware of unrest near to you, monitor media and social media, listen to radio...
SA consumers hit hard. Again.
Toll fees across South Africa have risen by between six and seven percent, signalling yet another financial blow to already cash-strapped South Africans. And, the increases come at a time when fuel is touching on record high levels, in part because of the hefty increases to indirect taxes added to fuel prices at the beginning of the month. The announcement was made by the South African National...
Oil, Rand give fuel breather
Fuel prices are likely to drop again at the end of February. This is according to the an unaudited mid-month fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund. International oil prices have been declining steeply since the start of February, and this factor has accounted for approximately half of the petrol price reduction, and more than two-thirds of the diesel price reduction. Over the same...
Fuel levy hikes will hurt the poor
The 52 cents a litre increase in the General Fuel and Road Accident Fund levies announced by Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba in today’s Budget Speech is cause for great concern. The increases amount to a total increase of 11 percent on the current levies from R4.78 to R5.30. The increases comes into effect on 1 April, along with other increases, such as the increase of VAT from 14% to 15%. The...
Fuel cheer as exchange rate holds steady
Fuel prices are set to drop in March as South Africans benefit from a stable exchange rate and lower international fuel prices. This is according to the unaudited month-end fuel data released by the Central Energy Fund. The Rand was trading at around R12.00 to the US dollar at the start of February, and has gradually strengthened to an average level approaching R11.80 for the month. Over the...
We welcome the appointment of Dr Blade Nzimande
As part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s sweeping new changes to the Cabinet, we welcome the appointment of Dr Blade Nzimande to the post of Minister of Transport. We look forward to working with Dr Nzimande on issues affecting road users particularly road safety. Dr Nzimande is a seasoned campaigner within government, and we believe this experience will serve him well in his new position. Road...
Diesel or petrol? AA releases results of survey
Thirty-seven percent of South African motorists say they will still choose diesel vehicles over petrol vehicles even though recent studies show up to 38 000 people die prematurely as a result of diesel engines exceeding their stated emissions standards. This is one of the findings in a recent survey we conducted. According to the data, 56% of respondents say they prefer diesel over petrol...
If you’re reckless on the road, do it alone
More traffic is expected on the roads in the coming weeks as families from across the country prepare to enjoy the Easter holidays. Schools close for the Easter break on 28 March and reopen on 10 April. Easter Weekend begins on 30 March (Good Friday) and ends on 2 April (Family Day). But, our message to drivers this year is different from the past. This year we’d like to urge all reckless...
Despite lower basic fuel prices, fuel will be more expensive in April
Although basic fuel prices are showing signs of further decreases at month end, the overall price of fuel is set to increase because of the addition of increased fuel levies in April. This is according to the unaudited mid-month fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund. The Rand/US dollar exchange rate has been virtually flat since the beginning of the month, with the local currency...
Being insured (even a little) is better than not being insured at all
"It’s a luxury I can’t afford”, “It will never happen to me”, and, “I don’t believe in insurance” are just some of the reasons people give for not insuring their property or vehicles. For the uninsured these reasons may seem valid but, in the long run, may prove more costly. Between 65 and 70 percent of the estimated 12 million vehicles on South African roads are uninsured, and this...
Volatility reigned – AA 2016 fuel price retrospective
Unleaded 95 petrol cost 45 cents a litre more at the end of 2016 than at the start, with 500ppm diesel up by 21 cents during the year. This is according to the Automobile Association (AA), which conducted a review of fuel price movements during 2016. Unleaded 95 started 2016 costing R12.40 a litre, with 500ppm diesel at R10.81 The last price adjustment in December saw the year close out with...
