Relaxation of transport regulations ‘not carte blanche’, warns dept
The Department of Transport has warned that the relaxation of the lockdown regulations does not mean South Africans can come and go as they please.
The country’s lockdown regulations eased from level 4 to level 3 on Monday.
This has seen some eight million South Africans return to work – resulting in an increase in both public and private transport on the country’s roads.
Buses, cabs and minibus taxis are now able to operate throughout the day, although capacity restrictions remain in place.
The department's spokesperson Ayanda Allie-Payne says there is some concern around the sector and how it will adapt to level 3.
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"There seems to be the belief that we are at level 1 and that there is no longer any need to show restrain or observe physical distancing or to longer carry a permit.”
She warns: "Just because there are slight relaxations in the direction does not mean we are free to do as we please.”
Allie-Payne says the sale of alcohol does not permit people to drink and drive.
"This does not mean that people have carte blanche to travel as and when they please.
"And just because we have permitted the sale of alcohol it also does not mean we can now drive under the influence of alcohol.
"I think it must clear that level three of this lockdown is by no means an indication that it's all systems go. That could not be further from the truth.”