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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Extended drinking hours need to be matched with extended enforcement hours
We have noted reports that the Gauteng Liquor Board has agreed to extend liquor trading hours at the weekend to coincide with the ANC’s 105th anniversary celebrations. Thousands of ANC supporters are expected in the province from Friday to Sunday as part of the festivities. In reports this afternoon, Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Mr Lebogang Maile is quoted as saying the event is...
Possible fuel gains wiped out by tax increases
Although fuel prices are predicted to drop in April, most of the benefit of the decreases will be wiped out by the increases to the general fuel, and Road Accident Fund (RAF) levies. (Unaudited mid-month fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF). The general fuel levy will increase by 30 cents, and the RAF levy by nine cents, on 1 April. Based on the current data, the AA is...
SANRAL tariff hikes – yet another blow to SA consumers
On the back of increases to the general fuel levy and Road Accident Fund (RAF) levy coming in April, motorists now also have to contend with increases to toll rates announced by the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), on Friday. This is yet, another financial blow to South African consumers, and will place more pressure on already cash-strapped motorists, commuters, and consumers. Some...
AA weighs in on new laws frenzy
Speed limits haven't changed and trucks cannot be pulled off the road during certain hours. That's the word from the Automobile Association (AA) which advised people not to repeat rumours about new traffic laws without having the facts at hand. We are getting several calls a day from concerned motorists over alleged changes to the speed limits, and operating hours laws. It's evident in all these...
Fuel price blues as oil, Rand bite
Sharp movements in international petroleum prices have combined with a weakening Rand to push fuel prices higher for December. This is according to the Automobile Association (AA), commenting on unaudited month-end fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF). Oil has continued the strong run we have seen throughout November and the trend remains upwards. The Rand has followed a...
See and be seen! Daytime running lamps
Visibility is key to reaction time; it is critical to see and be seen. That’s why daytime running lamps are a compulsory standard of so many European countries, and not reliant on a driver’s judgement on when to switch on headlamps in varying light conditions. Daytime running lamps are not compulsory in South Africa. Regulation 161 A (1) states that they may be fitted to any motor vehicle except...
Exhaust smoke – an engine’s distress signal
Diesel or petrol engine exhaust gases should be colorless. Any smoke colour emanating from an exhaust signals that it is not running properly, or even close to mechanical failure. What do exhaust smoke emissions really mean? Black smoke is a sign of engine over-fueling. This can be a malfunctioning injector, a restricted air supply or clogged intercooler. For a sound technical reason, excess...
Change of behaviour needed to curb shocking annual fatality numbers
Since the start of December, road crashes around the country have claimed the lives of many people, including ten people who died when the taxi they were travelling in collided with cows in Mbombela last Friday. The current situation, is untenable, and it urges all motorists to change their behaviour ahead of the expected festive season traffic rush. Every day seems to bring another story of a...
Weather and holidays impact fleet safety
It is that time of the year when road traffic deaths are measured and compared to previous years over the December festive season. However, the annual road traffic crash statistics set an alarming background that cannot be ignored – that latest figures at hand from a 2015 CSIR report indicate that over 1,7 million South Africans are involved in more than 832 thousand road traffic crashes (RTC)...
Motorists says get bad cars off the road and punish offenders
Almost 80 percent of motorists believe removing unroadworthy vehicles from South African roads will make roads safer. And, 58% of respondents of the Safer Roads in SA’ survey, say harsher punishments for all road offenders will also reduce fatality statistics. There are too many unsafe cars on our roads, and these lead to many crashes, some of them fatal. As motorists we need to ensure our...
Rand stronger, oil up at mid-month
Slight decreases in the fuel price are being predicted on mixed news from the currency markets and international oil trade. This is according to the Automobile Association (AA), commenting on unaudited mid-month fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF). The Rand gained ground against the US dollar since the beginning of December, notwithstanding political turbulence in the...
Safety should be number one priority when buying a new or used vehicle
As the year winds down, many thousands of parents or guardians are considering a new or used car for their children who will either be studying at tertiary institutions, or starting to work. Some people are also considering a new vehicle for themselves, and preparing documentation to register the vehicle in the new year. Before any decision on a new or used vehicle is made, buyers must do...
