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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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 breather as oil sinks, Rand firms
Rand strength, and a retreat of international petroleum prices, have combined to produce a surprise drop in fuel prices at the end of February. This is according to the Automobile Association (AA), which was commenting on unaudited month-end fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF). After a bit of a stutter at the beginning of February, the Rand has continued to firm against the...
Increases to fuel and RAF levies a blow to SA consumers
The announcement by Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan that an additional 30 cents/litre is to be added to the general fuel levy for the second year in a row, and that an additional nine cents a litre is to be added to the Road Accident Fund (RAF) levy, is cause for great concern, the Automobile Association (AA) said. The Minister made the announcement in his Budget Speech yesterday. The additional...
Highway driving – a few tips from the AA
Driving on a highway, even in the best weather, is a daunting undertaking, especially for novice drivers. When the weather is bad, as it currently is over many parts of South Africa, some drivers become anxious, and seem to forget the basics of highway driving. According to the Automobile Association (AA) drivers who are anxious, or drivers who disrespect the rules of the road, cause problems...
Mixed fuel price bag as oil, Rand tussle
Unaudited mid-month fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF) reveals a standoff between rising international petroleum prices and a stronger Rand / US dollar exchange rate. This is according to the Automobile Association (AA), which described the current fuel price outlook as a mixed bag. In the first half of February, international petroleum prices increased by the equivalent...
Hijackings and smash-and-grabs – the AA gives a list of do’s and don’ts
Hijackings, and smash-and-grab incidents, can occur anytime, and anywhere. Recent reports suggest an increase in both these classes of attacks. The Automobile Association (AA) has warned motorists to be vigilant while driving, and to ensure they take responsibility for their own, and their passengers’ safety. The most important thing to do is be informed of where the hijacking, and...
Tyres are critical safety features – check them properly and regularly
Tyres remain a dangerously overlooked component of car care in South Africa, sometimes with fatal consequences. This is the view of the Automobile Association (AA) which was commenting after reports suggested a tyre burst lead to the deadly N1 crash in Midrand, in Gauteng Monday. At least one person died, and up to 11 others were injured - some of them critically - when the taxi they were...
Euro NCAP anniversary unique opportunity to introduce local safety ratings scale in SA
As Europe marks the 20th anniversary of Euro NCAP, the Automobile Association believes it is a unique opportunity to again highlight the need for improved safety testing on cars locally. The Association called for the introduction of safety testing measures that provide a scale of safety ratings for all vehicles sold locally. The Association said these safety ratings should be clearly displayed...
Hints for new drivers
Learning to drive used to be a rite of passage for young people. But the gradual improvement of public transport in South Africa, along with the rise of ride-sharing services, means that a driving licence is less of a necessity than it used to be for previous generations. It's still useful to have a driving licence though. If you have access to a car, a licence is an easy way to get around...
Fuel hike clipped as Rand rallies
Fuel prices will increase in February, but not by as much as expected, after the Rand staged a comeback against the US dollar in late-January International oil prices remain near their recent highs, but the Rand has strengthened around ten cents against the US dollar since January 15 This has caused a marked improvement in the fuel price picture since mid-month. Petrol is expected to cost 30...
