Department Engages Communities Across Districts to Review Road Transport Act 1981 Through Nationwide Consultation Tour

The Department has continued its structured district consultation tour aimed at gathering public and stakeholder feedback on the Road Transport Act of 1981. The process focuses on understanding current challenges in the transport sector and identifying areas where the law may need updates or improvements. Public participation has been a central part of the engagement strategy, with meetings designed to include community members and motor vehicle dealers. The initiative reflects a growing effort to align transport regulations with modern realities and service demands. It also highlights the importance of open dialogue between government institutions and the public in shaping effective policy.

Recent meetings were held in Leribe and Butha-Buthe districts, where the Department engaged directly with residents and stakeholders in the transport industry. These sessions allowed participants to raise concerns related to vehicle registration processes, road safety enforcement, and compliance requirements under the existing legal framework. Motor vehicle dealers also contributed insights on administrative delays and regulatory challenges affecting their operations. The discussions were structured to ensure that both urban and rural perspectives were captured during the consultation process. Feedback gathered during these sessions is expected to inform recommendations for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the Road Transport Act.

The meetings were attended by key district leadership, reinforcing the importance of the consultation process at local governance level. In Butha-Buthe, the session was attended by District Governor Mr Ts’epo Cheba, who emphasized the value of community participation in policy review. In Leribe, the District Governor’s Representative, Mr Maqelepo, also participated in the discussions and engaged with stakeholders on key transport issues affecting the district. Their presence helped strengthen coordination between national and local government structures during the consultation process. It also demonstrated institutional support for efforts aimed at improving transport governance and service delivery across districts.

The Department has confirmed that the consultation tour will continue in Mokhotlong District, where another stakeholder meeting is scheduled to take place at Scenery Guest House on 11 June 2026 at 10:00 am. This upcoming session is expected to attract participants from across the district, including transport operators, community representatives, and local businesses. The meeting will provide another platform for stakeholders to share their experiences and challenges related to road transport services. Officials will also use the opportunity to explain key areas of the existing legislation and gather input on possible reforms. The continuation of the tour reflects the Department’s commitment to ensuring that all districts are included in the consultation process.

The broader objective of the district tour is to collect comprehensive feedback that can guide the review and potential amendment of the Road Transport Act of 1981. The Act has been in place for several decades and has guided transport regulation, but evolving transportation needs have created demand for modernization. Issues such as improved road safety standards, efficient licensing systems, and updated compliance mechanisms are central to the discussions. Stakeholders have expressed the need for a regulatory framework that is responsive to current transport trends and supports economic activity. The consultation process is therefore a key step in ensuring that future reforms are informed by real experiences from across the country.

As the Department continues its engagement across districts, the process is expected to strengthen trust between government and communities while improving the quality of transport policy development. The inclusion of local leaders such as Ts’epo Cheba and Maqelepo underscores the collaborative approach being taken to address sector challenges. By directly involving stakeholders in discussions, the Department is building a foundation for more practical and widely supported reforms. The Road Transport Act review process is expected to result in recommendations that better reflect current needs and improve service delivery in the transport sector.