May 11 2011 at 11:33am
South African motorists, many of whom already feel like revenue-creating scapegoats every time they exceed the speed limit, might have to contend with even lower speed limits in future - in the interests of saving fuel, according to government.
Energy Minister Dipuo Peters has requested an investigation into the possibility of reducing speed limits as one of the ways of increasing fuel efficiency while prices escalate.
“I have instructed my team to determine the level at which a reduction of the speed limit may be necessary. This will include consultation and concurrence of the department of transport,” she was quoted saying in a statement from her office.
Her spokesman Ndivhuwo Khangale said: “Nothing concrete has been finalised,” of the idea that evokes memories of the rationing of the 1970s when anti-apartheid sanctions limited fuel supplies in South Africa.
Peters said last week's increase, which saw fuel prices hover around the R10 a litre mark, had the potential of disrupting economic growth in the country and could cause major disruptions in countries that have not had the currency strength to counter the increases.
In the last two years, crude oil prices have quadrupled from around US$30 a barrel.
“I am concerned about the impact on the ordinary farmer and the impact paraffin price increases have on the poorest of the poor,” Peters said.
She urged people to consider whether they really need to drive somewhere, or whether they can walk and go to work with a lift club.
