Readers are supporting the petition to transfer processing of tourism operating licences issued by the National Public Transport Regulator (NPTR) to the Department of Tourism, as a separate process from general public transport operating licence applications.
Many have highlighted the need to urgently address this, with Tourism Update reader, Karin Meucke, noting that if nothing changed in the next couple of months, she might have to withdraw completely from tourism after 20 years in the industry.
“Another huge problem is that, although expired permits are deemed to be valid if the renewal is done before the expiry date (where the permit has not yet been received but there is proof of renewal) traffic police are not adhering to this and issuing fines and impounding vehicles even with proof of renewal. If this is not solved urgently, even more tourism vehicles will be withdrawn. I cannot risk my vehicle being impounded,” she said.
Stephanus van Zyl suggested in his comments that transporters should apply for 14-day temporary permits, tourism cross-border permits, as well as annual cross-border tourist permits (takes up to three months).
“Just make sure you keep an updated itinerary indicating a cross-border programme. permits@cbrta.co.za. This can all can be done online with certified copies. They are efficient in renewals and there is no need to enter any office,” he said.
Van Zyl’s solution is that operating licences for tourism-focused transport companies should be issued by Cross Border Road Transport Agency (CBRTA) as an interim measure.