Ref: 080

Date Submitted: 26.01.2012

Subject: E-tag billing shock - Consumer Protection Act

Sender Name:   Booysen Smith

Ref: 043

Date Submitted:  12.10.2010

Subject: AARTO IMPLEMENTATION 2011 AND SANS AMENDMENTS

Sender Name:  Alta Swanepoel

Comment:

Good day

The following for your attention:

Ø Press release from the CEO of the RTMC – Mr Collins Letsoalo on AARTO implementation and demerit points was released on 5 October 2010. The essence of the press release is that AARTO will be rolled out in the 2011 Calendar year and that an announcement on the implementation of the demerit points will be made during 2011 as well.
Please see     -    http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Aarto-to-be-rolled-out-next-year-20101005
 
Ø  Amendment to SANS 10216:2010 Edition 5.1 Scope of changes
 
Amdt 1 2010: Amended to:
·         add information regarding reference to this standard in legislation to the foreword
·         to add equipment in the annex on requirements for facilities and equipment
·         to add a new annex that contains requirements for axle-play detectors
 
Ø  Amendment to SANS 10231:2010 Edition 3.1 Scope of changes
 
Amdt 1 2010: Amended to:
·         give options that may be used as a dangerous goods declaration
·         to delete the term ‘dangerous goods loading/offloading supervisor’
·         to move references to legislation to the foreword, to change the table on the load compatibility chart
·         to update reference to legislation.
 
·         NOTE: The annual training of both light and heavy vehicle drivers is to be conducted by accredited and
approved providers.
 
There are various other amendments to the Specification and Dangerous Goods Operators are advised to obtain the new Specification. It is available from the SABS website – www.sabs.co.za
 
Kind regards.
Alta Swanepoel
 

ALTA SWANEPOEL & ASSOCIATES cc

1266 Starkey Avenue, Waverley, PRETORIA, 0186

P O Box 31956, Totiusdal, PRETORIA, 0134

Tel:  +27 12 332 2186/9

Fax:  086 6720 469

E-mail:  altaswanepoel@mweb.co.za

Website:  www.altaswanepoel.co.za

IF YOU REQUIRE AARTO TRAINING PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US.

Our next AARTO in-house training session is on 27 October 2010.

Ref: 042

Subject: Compliments on excellent service

Sender Name:  Evelyn Holtzhausen

Comment:

From: Evelyn Holtzhausen [mailto:evelyn@hwb.co.za]
Sent: 16 August 2010 09:48 PM
To: Garth.Gibson@santam.co.za
Subject: Compliments on excellent service

Dear Mr Gibson,
I would like to compliment the Santam, emergency/breakdown operation on their courtesy and professionalism. I was involved in a minor accident on Saturday morning in which my car was severely damaged. I was directed to the Santam call centre by my insurance agent Mr Eric Russell. The operator, in Johannesburg, a young lady, was polite efficient and very caring. She contacted Mr. Joe Kwinda, who was equally courteous and efficient and within less than an hour of my accident Mr. Ettienne Pel had arrived to fetch my car. He went "the extra mile" by taking out of his way to Century City from Platekloof, where I could e fetched and taken home by a relative.
Mr. Pel then called me on Monday morning to tell me my car had been safely delivered to a central Cape Town panel shop for repairs.
This letter is to compliment the call centre operator, ( I cannot remember her name) Mr. Kwinda and Mr Pel for an extremely polite and very efficient service. What a pleasure!
Please pass my compliments onto those concerned.
I am very pleased that I switched my insurance to Santam a short time ago, What a good decision that turned out to be.

Yours sincerely,

Evelyn John Holtzhausen

Ref: 041

Subject: Gauteng Number Plates Substitution

Sender Name:  Alta Swanepoel

Comment:

Hallo All

The Gauteng Department of Community Safety has published the gazette reflecting the dates for the substitution of the GP number plates again. It was published in Provincial Gazette No 137 of 7 July 2010, notice number 1921. The gazette has not been implemented yet, but the schedule of when the new numbers must be displayed, is circulated for your information.

Remember the new plates must be aluminium and will expire every 5 years.

Regards

Alta Swanepoel

altaswanepoel@mweb.co.za

Tel 012 332 2186/9

Fax 0866720469

www.altaswanepoel.co.za

IF YOU REQUIRE AARTO TRAINING PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US.

Our next AARTO in-house training session is on 01 September 2010.

Ref: 040

Subject: Tow Truck Fraud theft and damage

Sender Name:  Wayne Crowley

Comment:

TOW TRUCK FRAUD AND THEFT

I was a victim of theft by a tow truck operator, Urban Auto Panel/Urban Towing, Unit 10, Island Park, Auckland Street, Paarden Eiland. Following an accident on my motorcycle, I took a photo of the bike at the accident scene. The damage to the bike was: Broken right hand handle bar, cracked right hand headlight, damage to the petrol tank, scraps and scratches to the body work but they were all on the bike and intact, a bent gear shift lever which was still attached. The clutch was operational as I engaged it so that the police officers on the scene and I could push the bike to the pavement as it was still in gear. Being unable to push the bike home due to my injuries, I was approached by a tow truck driver from Urban Panel and Towing who offered to take the bike to my home for the sum of R200.00. I then signed the tow slip with my address and next to my signature wrote R200.00 Only.

My girlfriend and I waited for approximately 3 hours at my home but the tow truck never arrived. She then took me to Somerset hospital for treatment. I had a broken collar bone and two cracked ribs. The bike was never delivered as promised. I received a phone call from the driver “Terry” and he told me that he had been fired and that my bike was at Urban Auto Panel/Urban Towing in their yard in Paarden Eiland, he also gave me the phone number of a person called Max who I believe is the manager of Urban Auto Panel/Urban Towing. I phoned Max and he demanded R8000.00 for the release of the bike. We haggled about the price and that the bike was never supposed to be taken to their yard. We agreed on the sum of R1200.00 and they would deliver the bike to my home. I sms’d him the address and directions.

Needless to say they never pitched up. After numerous phone calls as to what was happening in regards to the delivery and getting excuses after excuse and been told to phone another driver who also never delivered on his promise. I got hold of the owner of the Urban Auto Panel/Towing, Island Park, Paarden Eiland and spoke to Chris Olieslager. He said I must come to the yard and first pay the release fee of R1200.00 to which I agreed. My girlfriend and I went to the yard with the intention of paying and getting the bike back. This is were the real problems started.

Someone had already started stripping parts off the bike. (Lights, side covers, clutch parts etc.) Some parts have been smashed off with a hammer and the engine is now a right off. The damage to the bike as it now is, is not due to the accident as they claim. I took photos of the bike and if they are compared to the first photo I took at the accident scene it is clearly obvious that the bike is in a far worse state than when they took possession of it. For example the drive sprocket has been removed, the toolkit taken and various bolts and screws loosened. The state that the bike is now in would have made it impossible for it to be involved in an accident in the first place. Naturally I was not happy with the situation and when I questioned Chris about it he denied that anyone had tampered with the bike. He said he has surveillance cameras and two dogs in his yard so no one could have got access to the bike.

I laid a charge of theft with the SAPS. The investigating officer contacted me to say that there was no case as I had agreed for them to tow the bike and it’s now a civil matter. Ok, so I can’t nail them for theft but my question is surely there is a case of fraud and malicious damage to property. I returned to the yard of Urban Auto Panel/Urban Towing in Paarden Eiland with a trailer and the money to reclaim my bike only to find that even more parts were missing and even more damage to the engine as well as further attempts to remove items like the switches etc. All the time the bike stood in the same spot in his yard it never dripped a drop of oil. I have photos to prove this.

When I went the last time the engine was leaking oil and someone had even placed a drip tray under the bike to collect the oil which was coming from a crack in the engine casing. When I questioned Chris about the state of the bike he said it was all damage from the accident and became very aggressive and abusive he then threatened me with physical bodily harm in front of a witness and told me to get the f..k out of his yard and never come back. I offered to pay him the money and remove my bike. His answer was “Get the f..k out of my yard and I’m taking your bike to the scrap yard”. I left his yard and phoned him the next day with the intention of coming to a reasonable settlement. He said “You can do what you like, you will never get your bike back” He then went further by telling me I could do anything I liked as the courts wont do anything to him, he then said “I will screw you for everything you’ve got and you will be getting a lawyers letter on Monday” he then put the phone down.

On Sunday 4 th July 2010 my girlfriend and I went up the road next to Urban Auto Panel/Urban Towing to take an updated picture of the present condition of the bike and to verify the oil leaking from the engine. We were outside the yard fence and I had just taken the photos when Chris Olieslager came storming into his yard hurling verbal abuse at us he threatened to climb over his fence and f..k us up. As I have mentioned we were not on his property. He started to climb the fence and fearing for my girlfriend’s safety we made a hasty retreat to our car. As we were leaving he hurled more abuse at us and threatening to get us. Naturally my girlfriend was very traumatized by his uncalled for behaviour and it took me quite a while to calm her down.

I have attached 3 photos of the bike in its various conditions over the last month.

I would really like to draw your attention to the oil situation, as can be seen in the picture “3 weeks ago” there is no oil at all leaking from the engine or on the ground beneath the bike. The picture “Sunday 4th” shows a complete different story and goes to prove that they are dismantling and damaging the bike while in their possession. I refuse to leave the matter like this and am laying criminal charges of verbal abuse, threat to do grievous bodily harm, theft and malicious damage to property as well as a case of fraud.

Further more I am not the only one to be ripped off like this. If there is a case of fraud or if I have to go the civil route I would like to get as many other victims so that we can pressure the courts to do something about this. I have setup an email address towwtruckfraud@gmail.com and would appreciate if this could be made known to the public. It’s not really the bike or the money that I am after but I strongly feel that it’s time these fraudsters / extortionists were brought to justice.
With thanks

Wayne Crowley (0797702754)

Explanation of photos

1. The bike the weekend before the accident. What I would like to draw your attention to is the way the generator protrudes approximately 120mm from the left side of the engine this cover is not damaged at all thus making it impossible for the damage to the clutch slave cylinder and engine drive sprocket. I have included a picture of a bike with the sprocket removed in the proper manner. My bike looks similar but bolts that could not be undone have been smashed off.

2. Sprocket removal. As can be seen the generator protrudes a considerable distance from where the parts have been removed. This is not a picture of my bike as I could not get access to photograph the left hand side of the bike. It’s mealy to explain my point.
3. The bike in their yard about a month ago. Please note that the head lights have been removed, the plugs have been cut off completely. The rear indicator has been removed which can be clearly seen in the photo accident seen. The side covers have been removed and there is no sign of any oil leaking from the engine.
4. The bike as is was on Sunday 4th July 2010. There is oil leaking out under the bike, the battery has been removed. There are numerous bolts and screws loosened or missing and the battery removed the toolkit that was locked under the seat is also missing. I believe further damage to the petrol tank occurred when this was done as seat clips into the petrol tank in front and locks at the back.
5. Close up of the oil leaking and the placement of a drip tray to try and catch the oil. This tray is not present in any of the earlier pictures which is proof that the engine was not leaking oil.
6. Chris Olieslager approaching while swearing at us. Did not get the chance to take a better picture as he started climbing the fence to as he put it f..k us up.

Ref: 039

Subject: RETRACTING OF AARTO PROCLAMATIONS

Sender Name:  Alta Swanepoel

Comment:

RETRACTING OF AARTO PROCLAMATIONS
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE 33341, 30 June 2010

The President has retracted AARTO Proclamations No 15 and 16 that were published in Government Gazette No 33114 on 16 April 2010 implementing the AARTO Act in the Municipalities of Ekurhuleni, Nelson Mandela Bay, City of Cape Town and eThekwini on 1 July 2010 and in the rest of the country on 1 November 2010.
No new dates were proclaimed, however the acting CEO from the RTMC has issued a press release indicating that AARTO will be implemented successfully in this financial year, ending 31 March 2011.
This means the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 still applies in these areas for the prosecution of road traffic offences.
Please note AARTO is still in force in the Municipalities of Tshwane and Johannesburg.

Regards

Alta Swanepoel

ALTA SWANEPOEL & ASSOCIATES CC, 1266 Starkey Avenue, Waverley, Pretoria, 0186
P O Box 31956, Totiusdal, Pretoria, 0186
Tel:+27 12 332 2186/9 ; Fax: 086 672 0469 ; E-mail: altaswanepoel@mweb,co.za ; Website: www.altaswanepoel.co.za

Ref: 038

Subject: Santam Undertaking

Sender Name:  Wayne Abraham

Comment:

E-mail From: Wayne Abraham [mailto:Wayne.Abraham@santam.co.za]
Sent: 21 June 2010 11:24 AM
To: Booysen
Subject: Re: Santam Undertaking

Good morning Booysen

As Santam is currently contracted with 3 suppliers to provide light vehicle towing (SATRA, UTASA and AA). One of the objectives of the undertaking is to categorise each tow operator under one of these contracted suppliers. So even though the tow operator may be a member of multiple associations, for purposes of this agreement they must elect the body they wish to be affiliated with.

I hope this clarifies your query.
Feel free to contact me if you require further details.

Kind Regards,
Wayne Abraham
Sourcing Specialist: Motor
Group Sourcing
Santam Limited
Tel: 021 915 7450
Fax: 021 914 0787
email: wayne.abraham@santam.co.za

>>> "Booysen" <booysen@utasa.org> 2010/06/21 11:10:10 AM >>>
Good Morning Mr. Abraham

The undertaking form to be completed by Service Providers has members in a quandary. The understanding as stated is that a service provider may only belong to one of the two towing ASSOCIATIONS either SATRA or UTASA.

The understanding amongst service providers is that there are only two national towing associations. The dilemma service providers find themselves faced with is exacerbated by the AA sending out the undertaking forms to service providers.

Members of both associations subcontract to the AA to deliver a service to the AA client base (AA members).

Are we to understand that Santam views the AA as a towing association???
UTASA members have posed the question and your response would contribute to an informed reply.

Regards

Booysen Smith

United Towing Association South Africa

e-mail: <mailto:booysen@utasa.co.za> booysen@utasa.co.za

Website:www.utasa.co.za

Tel. 0861 1 88272 Fax. 0866 840782

P.O. Box 15002, Wadeville. 1422

Ref: 035

Subject: A word of thanks!

Sender Name:  Pat Maseko

Comment:

From: patrick maseko [mailto:patwanan@yahoo.com]
Sent: 12 May 2010 05:19 PM
To: info@utasa.co.za
Cc: patwanan@yahoo.com
Subject: A word of thanks!

Hi Ettiene. I would like to extend a word of appreciation for the capable leadership provided by the crisis resolution team of two that the association dispatched on May 12, 2010 to resolve the stand-off between Golden Power Towing and MP Towing here in Dennilton. Deputy Chairperson Msai Maphisa and Mothusi Moloi assisted the owners of the two companies - Pat Maseko and Paul Mashiloane respectively - to arrive at a point where they agreed to bury the hatchet and to begin to work together moving forward. By and large, their misunderstanding of each other came about as a result of a lack of communication between them and the non-existence of a coordinating structure for UTASA members in their part of the world.

Keep up the good work guys.
Regards.
Pat JD Maseko of Golden Power Towing

Ref: 033

Subject: Incident complaint - Reply from Owner

Sender Name:  Jacques Rossouw

Comment:

From: Jacques Rossouw [mailto:jacques@albertontowing.co.za]
Sent: 06 May 2010 07:41 PM
To: 'Melanie Kruger'
Cc: comps@satra.co.za; booysen@utasa.co.za
Subject: RE: Incident complaint

Dear Melanie

Sorry for the delay in replying to your message and updating you on the result.

As I am sure that you are aware the towing game is one that seems to attract negative attention. And as the drivers work on a first come first serve commission basis, although not correct, this is mainly the reason for any tow truck being in the type of haste as described by you below. However we do not under any circumstances condone any driver of ours, intentionally or otherwise, putting other peoples lives at risk.

We have had a disciplinary hearing with the particular driver and he has in the process been dismissed.

I thank you for informing me of this incident and would like to apologise to you and the children for his behaviour, as mentioned before it is NOT tolerated.

I have spent many years building up Alberton Towing to be a reputable company and would like to keep it that way.

Please feel free to contact me if you should need anything.

Thanking you once again

Jacques Rossouw
Owner

Ref: 032

Subject: Incident complaint - Reply

Sender Name:  Ettienne Pel - Chairman UTASA 

Comment:

From: Ettienne Pel [mailto:ettienne@utasa.co.za]
Sent: 05 May 2010 12:50 PM
To: mkmelaniekruger@gmail.com
Subject: FW: Incident complaint

Good morning Melanie,

Thank you for taking the time to forward a complaint to UTASA. Many motorists complain but do not escalate their complaints further.

However, Alberton Towing is not a member to UTASA. It is disgraceful how some tow operators just have a no care attitude, and as you correctly stated, think they are above the law. This certainly does our industry no good, and the name of the industry is very tarnished already.

Unfortunately UTASA cannot assist with this specific incident, but please feel free, should you ever need the assistance of a Tow Truck Operator, that UTASA will gladly assist with one of our professional companies. UTASA can be reached 24 hours a day at 0861 188 272.

Kind Regards,

Ettienne Pel

Chairman UTASA
C: 082 310 8727 ( 24 Hours )
F: 086 689 4840
ettienne@utasa.co.za
www.utasa.co.za

Ref: 031

Subject: Incident complaint

Sender Name:  Melanie Kruger 

Comment:

Attention:  Jacques;

Regarding the incident dated Thursday 29/04/2010 as telephonically discussed with you yesterday.

Picking up my children and children which I have a lift club for, from Orion Primary in Brackenhurst at 15:00 yesterday afternoon, I saw an Orange tow truck pull up behind me as I am driving away from the school. The Tow Truck was driving so close behind me that the grill on the vehicle wasn't even visible in my rear view mirror.  It went on like this up until the T junction in Hennie Alberts street, where I had my indicators on to turn left to drop of the lift club kids. Cars were coming down Hennie alberts at that stage and I could not drive and had to wait my turn, while the driver in the orange tow truck (which you indicated by the name of Andries) was literally pushing me from behind to drive.  When I could eventually drive he raced behind me trying to get past, but vehicles were coming down from the front and there was no gap to over take.  Eventually just before the bridge that crosses over the R59 highway he literally from behind almost on the side of me, pushed me with the truck to make way so he can get past.  As he went past me, I hand signaled him that he must open his eyes because there are kids in the car.  This is when he took both hands of the stearing wheel to show me his middle finger and with his mouth gave me the "F" word.  I then tried to catch up with him to get the registration number on the vehicle, which for me was impossible at the speed he was driving.  He raced down Hennie Alberts almost pushing 3 other vehicles off the road trying to get past.  All of this on a solid white line.  Skipped the stop street crossing to Albertsdal and the T juction into JG Strydom, turning right into JG Strydom on the way to Kliprivier road.  By the time I got to the T Junction in JG Strydom the vehicle has disappeared. 

That is when I contacted you with the complaint.

My point at this stage:  He was speeding down at the school where he could have hit children running randomly over the street to get to their parents vehicles and he could have been the reason for 4 other accidents trying to get to an accident apparently on the Vereeniging highway.  Apart from that, what mentality or respect does he show for woman and kids using that kind of sign language and words with 4 kids in a vehicle observing every incident.  They are there to serve and protect in need and not to disobey and take the road laws in their own hands. We are teaching our children to respect and obey the law and to trust people like the Police, tow trucks, etc in their time of need, and then this is the kind of behaviour our children must witness.

Regards
 
Melanie Kruger

Ref: 029

Subject:  Flinke diens

Sender Name:   Priscilla Trelawney

Comment:

Hallo Chris

Baie, baie dankie vir jul flinke diens die aand met ons trok ongeluk. Binne 45 minute na n uur was jou trok en drywer op die toneel.

Die manier waarop hy alles hanteer het en ook telkens wou hy weet of alles in orde is en of ons gelukkig is met die diens.In sulke tye is dit wat n mens nodig het.

Hoop jou manier van besigheid doen groei net van sterkte tot sterkte,want dit kry mens nie aldag.

Groete
Priscilla Trelawney

Ref: 027

Subject: Proposed Tow Truck Act of 2000

Sender Name:   Ettienne Pel - Chairman UTASA

Comment:

Good Day Members,
Regarding the Proposed Tow Truck Act of 2000, UTASA wishes to bring the following to your attention as tow operators are being misled by an unscrupulous informant.

The situation is as follows:

The DRAFT Proposed Tow Truck Bill of 2000 is exactly that, at this stage, a DRAFT bill.

Before the bill can be enforced by law, there are various processes to be followed.

Discussions will be held with various role-players in the Industry.

After this the document will be available for public comments, and then forwarded to the next level.

This is a lengthy process and at this stage no-one can set a precise time period for the enforcement of the proposed BILL.

Should the Bill become law, presumably it will form part of the NRTA (National Road Traffic Act).

UTASA does not want ANY TOW OPERATOR to be misled, and will ENSURE that members are informed as the process progresses.

Be assured that tow operators will have input, into the document, as your comments and submissions will be taken into consideration.

We trust that this will set your minds at ease. Should anyone want more info on this, please do not hesitate to contact Ettienne Pel on 082 310 8727.

Kind Regards,

Ettienne Pel

Chairman UTASA
United Towing Association South Africa
e-mail: ettienne@utasa.co.za
Website:www.utasa.co.za
Tel. 0861 1 88272 Fax. 0866 840782

Ref: 026

Subject: JD Towing Services Potchefstroom

Sender Name:  Deon Van Eeden

Comment:                                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                                                     Click to enlarge...

Hi there all you towing guys out there I am just sending you some pictures of my tow trucks whish I have build myself the one called pokerface is running a Toyota 2jz GTE engine with a T72 turbonetics turbocharger with a set of 1200cc injectors a boost cooler system and it makes around 680 horsepower at 1 bar boost very very nice but scary to drive luckily I am the only one that drives the beast my other baby was transplanted with a Nissan RB 25 DET engine which I did a upgrade turbo on and it makes on 0.6 bar boost 230 kw on the wheels all the candy paint work was done by myself and airbrush bonnet scoops etc were also done in house with great time and skill that I tried out for the first time and I don't think it looks to bad but that's why I am asking for you guys out there for your opinions if you could let me know what you think of them I will appreciate it greatly. With thanks DEON owner of JD TOWING SERVICES POTCHEFSTROOM

Ref: 024

Subject:   Whats Up????

Sender Name:  Tow Buddy

Comment:

From: towbuddy@gmail.com
Sent: 18 February 2010 08:46 PM
To: info@utasa.co.za
Subject: Whats Up????

Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car. Oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car. Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall. Torque is how far you take the wall with you. Ten percent is what towing contractors pay to bling bling on their tow invoices.

Ref: 022

Subject:   The Consumer Protection Act

Sender Name:  Julie Nunes

Comment:

UTASA - ENLIGHTENING OUR MEMBERS - The Consumer Protection Act - please read for your information purposes.

The Consumer Protection Act

The Consumer Protection Act, April 2009, places obligations and prohibitions on suppliers and will have a significant impact on the way business is conducted in South Africa.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry, the primary purpose of the new Act is to prevent exploitation or harm to consumers.
The Act aims to recognise and consolidate consumer rights, establish effective mechanisms for enforcement of these rights, prohibit certain conduct and place certain obligations on suppliers of goods or services.

The Act will have far reaching consequences on both the consumer and the national economic environment. The law regulates the way businesses relate with consumers and how they market their products and services. The Act therefore applies not only to "every transaction occurring within the Republic" (subject to certain exemptions) but also to the marketing and supply of goods and services. While a threshold will be set in order to exclude certain transactions, franchisees are explicitly included as consumers under the Act and are entitled to many of the same rights as individual consumers.

The Act touches on many aspects of supply relationships, including warranties, pricing, standards of service and quality, advertising, labelling, marketing and others.
The Act introduces a bill of rights, granting consumers wide-ranging powers to cancel contracts within "cooling-off" periods, to refuse to purchase "bundled" products or services, to cancel fixed-term agreements if not satisfied with their terms and to block approaches by direct marketers, amongst many others. There is also a distinct focus throughout the Act on clear and understandable language and ensuring that the consumer is not misled by suppliers.

Most controversially, the Act introduces a system of product liability on suppliers for damage caused by the supply of defective goods. A consumer can
therefore claim damages from producers, distributors or suppliers for any death, injury, loss, damage to property and economic loss, without having to prove negligence.

The Act will be introduced in two parts in order to afford business reasonable time to align their trading practices and systems to ensure compliance with the new Act.
The sections governing the establishment of the National Consumer Commission - an enforcement and investigative body -will come into operation on 24 April 2010 as will the regulations to be promulgated in terms of the Act.
This will ensure that businesses will be in a position to know exactly what they need to do in order to comply, before the implementation of the rest of
the Act. The remainder of the Act will come into force on 24 October 2010.
The Minister is also given the discretion to defer the effect of any specific provision for a further 6 months if it is required. When reviewing and renewing agreements, firms should be aware that some provisions of the Act will apply to particular long-term and fixed agreements even before the
Act is in effect.

Contraventions of the Act will not be treated lightly and there is provision for hefty penalties for non-compliance. It is essential that firms consider their practices and agreements in light of the changes brought about by this Act and make the necessary adjustments to ensure compliance.

Ref: 021

Subject:  Towing

Sender Name:  Ettienne Pel - Chairman UTASA

Comment:

ANGEL,
Firstly, I would like to, as Chairman of UTASA, thank you for taking the time to write expressing your concerns and inner feelings. Secondly, I am addressing you in English, so that EVERYBODY, from all spheres in terms of language and race, can understand my mail.
It is encouraging to see that people like yourself, have taken the time to address certain issues in the industry. However, somewhere along the line, your information source has done you in, and I mean badly.
Your most important point of the client being allowed to decide who tows his/her vehicle, is EXACTLY what we are ALL fighting for, INCLUDING UTASA.
If you have more time on your hands and wish to educate yourself in terms of the National Road Traffic Act, read section 61, together with regulation 320. Here it tells you WHO may authorise the towing of a vehicle. You may want to keep a copy of the act in your breakdown. NOW, here is the crux of the matter. Just as YOU want everyone to respect the clients decision, SO MUST YOU!! You see, as the motorist pays a premium to his/her insurer, he/she is ALSO informed by the insurer as to what to do when involved in an accident. The client, if they TRUST their Insurer, WILL take instructions from the Insurer, as the Insurer pays the bill. SO, if the client accepts the Insurers decision not to use you but rather make use of someone else, then YOU should accept that! Would you not agree that by accepting the clients decision in this instance, it falls in line with your letter?
HOWEVER, this does pose a problem when Insurers are entering into EXCLUSIVE deals with TOWING companies, such as mentioned in your letter. Hence the reason WHY UTASA negotiates with Insurers to enter into a SLA with UTASA, allowing ALL UTASA members to uplift their vehicles at their approved rates. It is most encouraging to see that you wish to lead an honest life and in business too. This is EXACTLY what UTASA is too, HONEST! We have NO REASON to have to lie to our members, or hide anything from them. As a members of the association, any paid up members has the right to INSPECT the UTASA financials any time they wish.
One of the main reasons why Insurers sign with CALL CENTRES, is so that if a problem would occur the call centre has to resolve the problem, and the same applies to the associations. Unfortunately Insurers don't have the time to work with ALL the towing services in the country. It is a huge administrative job to verify each member, company, documents, Insurance cover, Licences, PrDP's, etc. If it were back in the earlier days, I may have agreed to a certain extent with your reasoning. However, due to the perceived lucrative business of towing in our country, and more people being unemployed, many have resorted to buying LDV's and modifying them to breakdowns. So, this has had an end result that the towing Industry in South Africa is OVERSATURATED with Breakdowns, and hence the exorbitant costs and less work for many, with longer hours on the road.
UTASA does not take any percentage fee on invoices from its members. Our members pay an ANNUAL fee for membership, which sustains the association for administrations costs. THE EX-Co works on a voluntary basis and is not remunerated including me as chairperson. EACH CENT IS ACCOUNTED FOR.
It is an unfair statement to make to say UTASA is 2 faced. UTASA was Founded in Cape Town in 2006 in Grassy Park, by towers from Cape Town, Pretoria, Johannesburg and KZN. NEVER EVER was the Association started JUST for Cape Town towers. It was started as a National organisation which it still is today, and is growing by the day. For your information, I, the NATIONALLY DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED Chairman of UTASA, am based in the Western Cape.

All the executive members of UTASA ARE DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED to their respective positions. In terms of the companies act of South Africa, if members of any organisation are not happy with their Executive, they have the LEGAL RIGHT, to instate a vote of NO CONFIDENCE in their executive, and may call a special meeting and call for re-election. UTASA is an association for its members, BY ITS MEMBERS. Hope that makes sense to you.
Now obviously, there is also another problem. NO towing operator, irrespective of affiliation, can lodge an internal complaint if his/her membership fees are not paid. I hope you are a member of one of the two associations, so that you may have access to the financials and get a TRUE reflection of the associations.
Finally, as you will receive comments from other towers, including our Ex-co, UTASA does not LIE to its members or the public. IN fact, UTASA educates the public against rogue towers and rogue insurers. Visit hellopeter.com. UTASA is a section 21 non profit organisation. Do you see any UTASA ex-co driving SMART CARS, living stylishly and eating out regularly?? NO YOU DON'T AND NEVER WILL EITHER. UTASA does not exploit the public and or motorist, expecting MONIES for complaints. UTASA also does NOT lie to the public and or motorist, telling them to phone UTASA for assistance, and then sending out only one company to tow those vehicles. You see, UTASA is completely impartial. Whether a friend or not, everybody within UTASA will receive the same treatment throughout.

Kind Regards,
Ettienne Pel
Chairman UTASA
C: 082 310 8727 ( 24 Hours )
F: 086 689 4840
ettienne@utasa.co.za
www.utasa.co.za

-----Original Message-----
From: julie@utasa.co.za [mailto:julie@utasa.co.za]
Sent: 05 February 2010 09:52 PM
Subject: Comments for UTASA Forum

CHAIRMAN - YOUR COMMENTS PLEASE
I WONDER IF ENGEL KNOWS WE DON'T MAKE A CENT AND THE HOURS WE SPEND ON THIS ASSOCIATION - EVEN THE HELL WE WENT THROUGH WITH OUR FAMILIES MOANING CAUSE WE HAVE NO TIME FOR THEM.
I WONDER WHAT ENGEL WILL DO IF GOVERNMENT DECIDES TO CHANGE THE WHOLE INDUSTRY - AND THERE IS NO ONE TO REPRESENT "ENGEL" AS GOVERNMENT WILL NOT SPEAK TO OVER 2000 PEOPLE IN A ROOM.
ENGEL IS JUST THINKING OF THE CAPE REGIONS = WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER AREAS

Name = ANGEL
E-mail = saroadsideassist@telkomsa.net
Subject or Topic = towing
Comments = ALMAL GAN ALTYD AAN OOR DIE TOWING MENSE WAT NIE DOEN WAT HUL MOET NIE MAAR EK SAL JULLE SE WAT GAN REGTIG AAN. ALES GAAN OOR GELD.DA IS SATRA, UTASA, SMD, FAM, ASSIST 24 EN DIT NET OM VAN HULE TE NOEM. EK IS N VROU EN WERK MY LAM OP DIE BREAKDOWNS OM N LEWE TE MAAK.AS DIE VERSEKERINGS NIE BEGIN HET NIE DAN WAS ALLES NOG OK EK IS SEKER TE DOM OM RYK TE WORD VAN BREAKDOWNS MA EK WIL N EERLIKE LEWE HE. AS HULE SE DIT IS REG DIT BLY DIE KLIENT SE KEUSE WIE SY KAR MAG TOW EN AL DIE CALL CENTERS IN HULLE MAAI IN STUUR SAL ALES SOVEEL BETER WERK STUUR DOKUMENTE AAN ALE TOWERS EN LAAT HUL DIE KONTRAKTE TEKEN WANT AS HULLE WERK WIL HE DAN SAL HULLE TEKEN. DE HEL
MET DIE ANDER MENSE SOOS UTASA EN SATRA HULLE IS NET UIT OM GELD TE MAAK.
AAN UTASA MOET JY BETAAL OM LID TE WEES EN NET SO OOK DIE ANDER OF ANDERS MOET JY 10% van die inv. vi hule gee.HULLE IS NIE OP DIE TONEEL WA ONS DIE MENSE HELP NIE. DIT IS ONS AS TOWERS WAT DIE MENSE HELP ONS SKAKEL DIE SAP EN DIE MEDICS.UTASA IS INELKGEVAL 2 GESIG HULLE HET GESE HULLE IS VI ONS TWERS IN DIE KAAP EN NOU IS HULLE OOK AL IN JOBURG DA SAAM MET ANDRE V/D MERWE HULLE EK VOEL HULLE GEBRUIK ONS NET OM GELD TE MAAK MA NEE DIT SAL HULLE MOS NIE VI DIE PUBLIC SE NIE WANT HULLE IS MOS ENGELTJIES MA HULLE IS DIE REDE DAT SOMIGE TOWERS DOEN WAT HULE DOEN. OP DIE EINDE IS DIT N FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL AND ONLY THEM TO BLAME. ONS HET OOK KINDERS NET SOOS HULLE.
NEEM N SLAG ONS OOK IN AG YOU CAN EMAIL ME ON saroadsideassist@telkomsa.net thank you for your time. god bless all the towers out there.

Ref: 020

Subject:  This very interesting...4 questions

Sender Name:  Ettienne Pel - Chairman UTASA

Comment:

From: Ettienne Pel [mailto:ettienne@utasa.co.za]
Sent: 02 February 2010 07:14 PM
To: 'De Kock's Panelbeaters & 24HR Towing'
Cc: 'UTASA'; enroute@breedenet.co.za
Subject: RE: This very interesting...4 questions
Importance: High

Hello Sandra,

Soos u wel bewus is, betaal die AA GEENSINS vir die sleep van ‘n voertuig wanneer dit in ‘n ongeluk betrokke is nie, TENSY die voertuig wel deur die AA se versekerings skema verseker is.

In terme van Artikel 61, subartikel 2 en 3 van die Nasionale Padverkeers Wet van Suid Afrika, se die wet duidelik dat ALLEENLIK die eienaar, bestuurder of operateur magtiging kan gee om ‘n voertuig te sleep. Nie eens die AA kan weier dat iemand die voertuig sleep, tensy die klient gelukkig is met die besluit van die AA. Net ter inligting: Dit is ook geensins onwettig as iemand ‘n voertuig sleep na WETTIGE toestemming gekry is deur die klient, ongeag deur wie die klient verseker is, of deur wat ookal skema die klient dalk dekking mag he.

Dis wel oneties om te se jy is ‘n goedgekeurde insleep diens van die AA as jy nie is nie, maar daar is nie fout daarmee om die klient te oorwin en KORREK te verduidelik oor sy versekering.

Die feit dat die klient besluit het om steeds gebruik te maak van En Route Insleepdiens, is selfsprekend. Indien die klient gevoel het dat hy/sy bedrieg word, sou hulle sekerlik vertroue in die AA gehad het, wat in die geval nie so is nie. Dis tyd dat ALMAL in die Insleep Industrie begin om die waarheid te praat ten alle tye, en nie net wanneer dit hulle pas nie. U weet baie goed dat die versekering die kostes dek, en NIE die AA nie.

Ek vertrou u vind dit so in orde, en dankie dat u tyd afgestaan het om ons te kontak oor die situasie.

Beste Groete,

Ettienne Pel

Voorsitter UTASA

C: 082 310 8727 ( 24 Hours )

F: 086 689 4840

ettienne@utasa.co.za

www.utasa.co.za

From: De Kock's Panelbeaters & 24HR Towing [mailto:adk@intekom.co.za]
Sent: 02 February 2010 06:30 PM
To: Ettienne Pel
Subject: Re: This very interesting...4 questions

Hi Ettienne

Graag bring ek (weereens) die optrede van En Route Insleepdienste se optrede onder jou aandag.

Ons het vanmiddag 'n uitroep van die AA gekry vir 'n klient. Toe ek die klient bel, se hy En Route is nou by hom. Hul het hom meegedeel dat hul wel by die AA geregistreer is.

Toe ek hom bel, kanseleer hy met ons - op grond van wat die En Route personeel hom meegedeel het. Ek was onmiddelik met die AA in verbinding, hul het toe die klient geskakel, maar die voertuig was reeds gehak, eh die klient het besluit om maar die rekening self te vereffen.

Dit is uiters onprofessionele optrede vir in UTASA lid.

AA ref: RT 10B0z00707
Klient: Mr Cowie 083 5651 420
VW Combi

Thanks for your assistance.
Sandra

De Kock Panelbeaters & Spraypainters cc
24 HR Truck & Car Towing Services 1 Industrial Road, Grabouw 7160
Tel: 021 859 5555
Fax: 086 540 3819 P O Box 265 Grabouw 7160
Cell: 082 336 5555
email: adk@intekom.co.za SKYPE: dekocktowing
In operation since: 1998
SATRA member: 20090370
Santam Approved: No 714
Mutual & Federal Approved: No 0577
AA Approved: T1025
Level 4 B-BBEE contributor DTI BEE NR:2667344

Ref: 019

Subject:  Unauthorised tow

Sender Name:  Ettienne Pel - Chairman UTASA

Comment:

From: Ettienne Pel [mailto:ettienne@utasa.co.za]
Sent: 19 January 2010 01:46 PM
To: saundersar@sabc.co.za
Cc: info@utasa.co.za
Subject: RE: Unauthorised tow

Good afternoon,

Thank you for taking the time to contact UTASA.

What I have read here, and with the discussion with Waydon, I believe that there are merits for getting this vehicle back at no cost.

I suggest you contact the Station Commander at the specific SAPS office that arrested you. Explain to them what occurred, and that your vehicle should have been towed by the SAPS because they arrested you, and that it was actually a crime scene, due to the fact that it is alleged you committed a crime.

Also make use of the National Road Traffic Act, Act 93 of 1996, section 61, subsection 3+4, read together with regulation 320. You were arrested because, in the opinion of the SAPS, you were incapacitated to drive your motor vehicle, and thus caused the accident. Your vehicle should have been towed to the SAPS pound for safekeeping. You will also note that once arrested, the SAPS will not release you before having been kept for at least four hours, so as to " sober up ".

Should they not be willing to assist, open a docket for Theft of motor vehicle against the company named, as well as laying a complaint at the Independent Complaints Directorate against the SAPS and officers involved.

I am sure that you should also be able to get an urgent court interdict for this company to release your vehicle free of charge to you, and then take the case further in court. Best to get advice from a Lawyer who is prepared to help you. It is my opinion, that the lawyer who suggested you contact a towing association firstly, had no intention of assisting you.

You are more than welcome to contact me again should you need further assistance. Unfortunately this company is NOT a member to UTASA.

Kind Regards,

Ettienne Pel
Chairman UTASA
C: 082 310 8727 ( 24 Hours )
F: 086 689 4840
ettienne@utasa.co.za

www.utasa.co.za

DISCLAIMER:

This message is intended for the use of the addressee and may contain information that is privileged and/or confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of the information contained in this message is strictly unauthorized and prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender by reply e-mail and delete the message from your system. Opinions, conclusions, or other statements in this message that do not relate to the business of Ettienne Pel, its subsidiaries or affiliates, are neither given nor endorsed by Ettienne Pel.


-----Original Message-----
From: saundersar@sabc.co.za [mailto:saundersar@sabc.co.za]
Sent: 19 January 2010 11:03 AM
To: United Towing Association South Africa

Dear United Towing Association South Africa,


On Saturday 16 January 2010 15H00 I was driving in my VW Golf 3 VR6 when I met up with an accident in Brakendowns.

After the accident took place the Police arrived at the scene and I was taken away with them.Before leaving the scene of the accident I handed all my personal belongings to a witness and friend and also left the car there.
A tow truck arrived at the scene and the driver towed my car away without my permission.The following day , Sunday, 17 January 2010 I was released from police custody and was informed by my friend that my car had been towed away.

The company responsible for towing my vehicle is known as Accident Assist ,
24 Hour Towing and Recovery. They are situated in Commercial Street Wadeville. I immediately tried to get my vehicle back but was informed that I needed to pay a fee of R8000-00 in order to recover it.

I feel that this is illegal as I was not the person responsible for signing over the car to the tow truck driver. The person responsible for taking my belongings was also not responsible for this action.

I hope that this matter will be dealt with and that my car will be released without having to take legal action against the abovementioned towing service.

Waydon Mathews

Ref: 018

Subject:  Corruption and Road Safety

Sender Name:  Ettienne Pel - Chairman UTASA

Comment: Read with Post below (Ref. 017)

From: Ettienne Pel [mailto:ettienne@utasa.co.za]
Sent: 19 January 2010 02:41 PM
To: 'Johan Jonck'
Cc: info@utasa.co.za
Subject: RE: ArriveAlive.co.za - Contact Page Information
Hi Jonckie,

The statement made by Mr Rajen Chinaboo is of concern for me. “ The Road Traffic Inspectorate is not in the business of contacting breakdowns, this is only done in instances were the driver has made a request or the driver was injured and removed to hospital.“ Where the driver has been injured or taken to hospital, if they act in terms of the law, section 61, then it is acceptable. We have just had an incident, where a man was in an accident on 16 January in Jhb, arrested, and found his vehicle towed away afterwards, without his consent. SAPS were supposed to have impounded this vehicle which did not happen. Account at 17 January was R 8000. 00. These people must learn that where someone is incapacitated, the vehicle should be taken to the approved government facility at the states cost or states approved rate, and the operator should be an approved state operator. Incapacitation would also be where someone has been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, etc.

Kind Regards,

Ettienne Pel
Chairman UTASA
C: 082 310 8727 ( 24 Hours )
F: 086 689 4840
ettienne@utasa.co.za
www.utasa.co.za


From: Johan Jonck [mailto:jonckie@arrivealive.co.za]
Sent: 19 January 2010 02:21 PM
To: 'Ettienne Pel'
Subject: FW: ArriveAlive.co.za - Contact Page Information

Follow me on Twitter
Also view www.roadsafety.co.za & www.arrivealive.mobi

This email and its content is the property of arrivealive.co.za. View the disclaimer & legal notice

From: Rajen Chinaboo [mailto:Rajen.Chinaboo@Kzntransport.gov.za]
Sent: 19 January 2010 01:52 PM
To: Johan Jonck
Cc: norman01@telkomsa.net
Subject: RE: ArriveAlive.co.za - Contact Page Information

Good day

The Road Traffic Inspectorate is not in the business of contacting breakdowns, this is only done in instances were the driver has made a request or the driver was injured and removed to hospital. The officer should not be using his or her cell but rather to contact the radio control room. According to regulation 330 of the NRTA 93/1996 there is no such a law to state that a vehicle must be towed by a breakdown only. Attached is the law when comes to towing of vehicles and it is quite clear with regards to the do’s and don’ts.

Please can you send all the details and photos and if can supply me with the name of the officer so that I can send it to the relevant station commander for investigation and a reply.

Thanks
________________________________________
From: Johan Jonck [mailto:jonckie@arrivealive.co.za]
Sent: 19 January 2010 11:34 AM
To: norman01@telkomsa.net
Cc: Rajen Chinaboo; John Schnell
Subject: RE: ArriveAlive.co.za - Contact Page Information

Thanks - will share this with the Experts - feel free to send photos as well

This email and its content is the property of arrivealive.co.za. View the disclaimer & legal notice

-----Original Message-----
From: norman01@telkomsa.net [mailto:norman01@telkomsa.net]
Sent: 19 January 2010 11:31 AM
To: jonckie@arrivealive.co.za
Subject: ArriveAlive.co.za - Contact Page Information

Contact Page Information from ArriveAlive.co.za
----------------------------------------------

Name: Barbara
Surname: Askew-Hull
Country: South Africa

Email: norman01@telkomsa.net
Mobile Number:
Tel Number: 0319033208

Subject: corruption and road safety

Message:
On Friday morning Dec 26, my daughter and her husband and 3 children were returning to Pretoria from Amanzimtoti. They broke a am belt just past Mariann Hill plaza. My son-in-law was towing them back when two RTI inspectors stopped them. They said a 'New Law" prohibited them from being towed unless by a Tow company. Two options at 2.30am were given, either impound the car or get a Tow Company. The Officer then phoned, from her Cell phone, an unregistered Company. 'Anthony' then hooked the Hyundai Elantra up at the back, put the car in gear, and towed them back to Amanzimtoti. This resulted in a complete new engine. I would love to attach a picture of the pist!
ons etc as I am quite certain, not many people have seen damage such as this! On Dec 28, I spoke to RTI complaints and sent an e-mail but to this day the 19 Jan, I have had no reply.
As there is no such 'new law' I consider this criminal.

Sent on: 1/19/2010 11:31:07 AM

Ref: 017

Subject:  Corruption and Road Safety

Sender Name:  Ettienne Pel - Chairman UTASA

Comment:

From: Ettienne Pel [mailto:ettienne@utasa.co.za]
Sent: 19 January 2010 02:18 PM
To: 'Johan Jonck'; 'Stan Bezuidenhout'; 'Andre Botha'; 'Rory Judd'
Cc: info@utasa.co.za
Subject: RE: Emailing: IM000799, IM000801, IM000804, IM000807, IM000808
 

Hello,
There are a few comments I would like to make here that may assist with this. I am sure that further advice could also be obtained from Mechanical Experts or Engineers.
1. There is no such law, as correctly stated that the vehicle MUST be towed by a towing company. Section 61 read together with regulation 320 of the National Road Traffic Act gives enough evidence as to when vehicle may be towed and where. If the vehicle was being towed with the minimum requirements, that being a Tow Bar and the correct speeds, then there should have been no issue. However, in my opinion on a freeway it is potentially dangerous and a hazard looking for a collision to occur at some point. There should obviously also be no passengers except the driver in the vehicle. Not sure what the details are in this case. These are very serious allegations and should be investigated at the most senior level possible. AND, if the towing operator concerned here is in any way involved in these corrupt activities, then he/she should be charged criminally accordingly.

2. It is also not true to say that the damages caused in this instance, as per photo’s, was necessarily caused by the towing operator concerned. Reason is that if you are driving and your cam belt breaks, then the valves are moving up and down at a speed and your crankshaft is turning at revolutions per minute, depending what gear you are in and what speed you are doing. Once the belt snaps, your crankshaft is normally still rotating at the same speed at that moment in time, and your camshaft, which opens the valves, has already slowed down tremendously, thus not rotating at the same speed it does when cam belt is in contact. This means that the piston when in the top position will collide with the valves as they are not closed fully yet in the resting position, which results in the valves bending, or at times, even causing pistons to get holes as in the photo’s. This normally happens at high revolutions, as in the case whilst driving. Remember that when the cam belt has snapped, there is no way that the camshaft can rotate to open and close valves. It may also be that the cam belt had already slipped a tooth or two prior to snapping, already resulting in early stage damages prior to the cam belt snapping.

3. The only other way that this damage could possibly occur, is if the vehicle was towed in gear, but then you would hear a tremendously loud noise, and in my opinion, the possibility of this occurring, is highly improbable. Aslo remember that the cam belt had already snapped. To tow such a long distance from Marrian Hill, to Amanzimtoti without a noise, would give me the clear indication that this damaged occurred when the cam belt snapped.

Please note that these comments are made in my personal capacity.

Kind Regards,

Ettienne Pel
Chairman UTASA
C: 082 310 8727 ( 24 Hours )
F: 086 689 4840
ettienne@utasa.co.za
www.utasa.co.za

From: Johan Jonck [mailto:jonckie@arrivealive.co.za]
Sent: 19 January 2010 12:46 PM
To: 'Ettienne Pel'; 'Stan Bezuidenhout'; 'Andre Botha'; 'Rory Judd'
Subject: FW: Emailing: IM000799, IM000801, IM000804, IM000807, IM000808

These are pictures of the Hyundai Elandra motor after being towed from Mariann Hill to Amanzimtoti

Click on images to enlarge...

Regards
Barbara Askew-Hull
Name: Barbara
Surname: Askew-Hull
Country: South Africa

Email: norman01@telkomsa.net
Mobile Number:
Tel Number:
Subject: corruption and road safety

Message:
--------
On Friday morning Dec 26, my daughter and her husband and 3 children were returning to Pretoria from Amanzimtoti. They broke a cam belt just past Mariann Hill plaza. My son-in-law was towing them back when two RTI inspectors stopped them. They said a 'New Law" prohibited them from being towed unless by a Tow company. Two options at 2.30am were given, either impound the car or get a Tow Company. The Officer then phoned, from her Cell phone, an unregistered Company. 'Anthony' then hooked the Hyundai Elantra up at the back, put the car in gear, and towed them back to Amanzimtoti. This resulted in a complete new engine. I would love to attach a picture of the pist!
ons etc as I am quite certain, not many people have seen damage such as this! On Dec 28, I spoke to RTI complaints and sent an e-mail but to this day the 19 Jan, I have had no reply.
As there is no such 'new law' I consider this criminal.

Ref: 014

Subject: Permission to move vehicle

Sender Name: Booysen

Comment:

Permission to move vehicle
Section 61(3) of the Act does not allow the officer to have the vehicle removed without the owner’s permission except to move it out of the road to allow traffic to pass.
ACCIDENTS AND ACCIDENT REPORTS
Sec 61. Duty of driver in event of accident
(1) The driver of a vehicle on a public road at the time when such vehicle is involved in or contributes to any accident in which any other person is killed or injured or suffers damage in respect of any property or animal shall—
(a) immediately stop the vehicle;
(b) ascertain the nature and extent of any injury sustained by any person;
(c) if a person is injured, render such assistance to the injured person as he or she may be capable of rendering;
(d) ascertain the nature and extent of any damage sustained;
(e) if required to do so by any person having reasonable grounds for so requiring, give his or her name and address, the name and address of the owner of the vehicle driven by him or her and, in the case of a motor vehicle, the registration or similar mark thereof;
(f) if he or she has not already furnished the information referred to in paragraph (e) to a traffic officer at the scene of the accident, and unless he or she is incapable of doing so by reason of injuries sustained by him or her in the accident, as soon as is reasonably practicable, and in any case within 24 hours after the occurrence of such accident, report the accident to any police officer at a police station or at any office set aside by a competent authority for use by a traffic officer, and there produce his or her driving licence and furnish his or her identity number and such information as is referred to in that paragraph; and
(g) not, except on the instructions of or when administered by a medical practitioner in the case of injury or shock, take any intoxicating liquor or drug having a narcotic effect unless he or she has complied with the provisions of paragraph ( f ), where it is his or her duty to do so, and has been examined by a medical practitioner if such examination is required by a traffic officer.
(2) No person shall remove any vehicle involved in an accident in which another person is killed or injured from the position in which it came to rest, until such removal has been authorised by a traffic officer, except when such accident causes complete obstruction of the roadway of a public road, in which event the vehicle involved may, without such authority and after its position has been clearly marked on the surface of the roadway by the person moving it, be moved sufficiently to allow the passage of traffic.
(3) Subject to subsection (2), no person shall remove a vehicle involved in an accident from the scene of such accident, except for the purpose of sufficiently allowing the passage of traffic, without the permission of the owner, driver or operator of such vehicle or a person who may lawfully take possession of such vehicle.

Ref: 011

Subject: UTASA Condolences

Sender Name: Ettienne Pel

Comment:

Ref: 008

Subject: Censorship

Sender Name: Webmaster

Comment: Hi Tow Buddy, I would like to respond on your post on "Censorship":

There are two valid reasons for not restoring BBPHP (the automatic bullitin board).

1. Utasa acquired a new webmaster and server on which the new website is hosted. With the migration from the previous server host, the Bulletin Board could not me migrated across, as the software is an old version no longer supported, so all previous posts were lost.

2. Even while running tests on the new server testing the new website, with a new Forum version of BBPHP, SPAMMERS were posting all sorts of nasty links on the forum. Being an open forum there is no way to prevent this, as posting is open, and even if you registered, there is no way of knowing who will SPAM the forum. It was thus decided by Utasa Management to "approve" all posts before publishing it, as it leaved a very negative perception when reading and clicking on these undesirable links. I deleted some, but it was replaced the next day, as the Spammers write scripts to automatically install their links.

The good news is that if you want to chat about relevant Utasa issues, your post will be published, only a day after submitting it.

Ref: 007

Subject: Censorship

Sender Name: Tow buddy

Comment: Ok Guys, haven't been around much came back took a look and hey!!?? What happened to all the comments that were on this site. Have you gone back to the old style pre 1994 era of censorship??? Or did you take your cue from the opposition and simply shut out all opinion.

DARE YOU TO PUT THIS ON YOUR SITE!!!

Ref: 005

Subject: Mutual & Federal

Sender Name: Ettienne Pel

Comment: UTASA would like to inform ALL towing operators throughout South Africa, that should you wish to be a service provider to MUTUAL & FEDERAL, you need to contact Mr Braam Bothma of CIMS, to apply. His contact details are (011) 463-8723. UTASA is transparent and has all towers interests at heart, we are therefore informing you accordingly, and helping you to grow your business.