SACCI is becoming increasingly concerned at the cost to business of traffic congestion caused by poor maintenance of infrastructure – poor road conditions such as potholes and absence of street markings, non-operation of traffic lights – as well as delays in dealing with traffic accidents. These conditions are exacerbated by the extensive projects on motorways, which promise improvements in the future, but at present constitute a cost to the business community. Coupled with poor driving habits, these conditions also result in unnecessary collisions that compound the congestion.

Based on estimates of 90 000 vehicles travelling between Pretoria and Johannesburg between 06h30 and 08h30 on weekdays, with one person per vehicle and an average income of R170 per hour, SACCI conservatively estimates that the cost to the economy is approximately R15 million per hour. This estimate does not include fuel and vehicle maintenance costs, the cost of late freight deliveries, or other associated transport and business opportunity costs. It also does not include costs related to accidents and collisions.

Costs such as these impede South Africa’s already hesitant recovery from the global economic crisis. They constitute a hidden, but significant negative impact on small
and medium size enterprises in particular, and add to the cost of doing business.  SACCI believes that, in the interests of the greater public good, it is imperative that
the causes for the congestion be addressed by the appropriate authorities and that remedies be introduced as a matter of urgency.

Contact Persons:
Peggy Drodskie Executive Advisor to SACCI CEO 082 562 7087
Neren Rau Chief Executive Officer 083 701 2827