Increasing financial pressure means that many consumers are forced to seek cheaper options when it comes to vehicle maintenance – often to their detriment.
This has become clear as non-compliance with industry regulations emerges as a growing issue. The extent of this growing industry challenge was highlighted in January when the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Traffic Department conducted a raid on the CBD. The department impounded 29 vehicles and issued 86 fines (46 of which were for unlicensed, unregistered vehicles, 20 for vehicles parked on the sidewalk, and 20 for obstruction). The raid was prompted by obstructions caused by workshops that have been carrying out mechanical work in the road, and spray-painting on the sidewalk.
Dewald Ranft, MIWA Chairman, applauds the action taken by the traffic department and notes that it is vital in order to protect consumers from workshops whose lack of compliance can lead to complications in the long run.