Latest news with #VTS
CNBC
15-07-2025
- Business
- CNBC
How Trump's tariffs are hurting the office recovery
After a slow improvement in demand for office space in the first part of this year, April brought a significant contraction. Tariffs may be behind it. In April, 17 of the 19 major office markets tracked by VTS, a real estate software, analytics and advisory firm, saw decreases in demand compared with March. VTS measures office demand by counting anyone who starts an office tour or searches for office space. The flow of new tenants into the office market dropped by 23% from March, and the total square footage being sought fell 26%. CNBC's Property Play with Diana Olick covers new and evolving opportunities for the real estate investor, delivered weekly to your inbox. Subscribe here to get access today. It bore a striking similarity to the contraction from March to April of 2023, which coincided with the banking crisis tied to the failures of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and later First Republic Bank, according to the VTS report. From March to April 2023, demand declined 25% and square footage sought decreased 38%. The office market bounced back later in 2023, with initial strong demand, but then followed in fits and starts. That hasn't been the case this time around. "To the extent that tariffs impact the capital markets, there is an immediate pullback reaction," said Max Saia, vice president of investor research at VTS. "We definitely saw a rebound in some markets, but it was not as immediate as what we saw post banking crisis." A separate report from JLL looking at the full second quarter of this year showed office leasing demand down 2% after six straight quarters of year-over-year growth. And the Trump administration is now increasing some tariffs again and warning of more to come. For the first time since 2018, and likely the first time in decades, more square footage will be removed from the U.S. office market this year than is added to it through new construction, according to a recent report from CBRE. Equity markets have rebounded strongly since the initial shock of President Donald Trump's so-called liberation day tariffs, but would-be office tenants are still hesitant. Beyond the tariffs, there are geopolitical stresses, including the conflict between Iran and Israel. At home there is concern over the economic impact of the budget bill that passed through Congress earlier this month — and a still unclear future for tariffs. "There is that element of no one knows exactly what the future holds and what's going to happen," said Saia.
Daily Maverick
14-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Drive to survive — the cost of SA's road safety crisis
South Africa's roads are a death trap — claiming nearly 12,000 lives a year, draining 3% of GDP and enabling corruption through fake vehicle roadworthiness checks. With failing infrastructure, rigged testing stations and weak roadworthiness inspection enforcement, every fake certificate risks another fatal crash. As investigations begin, will the government finally steer policy in the right direction — or keep driving blind? 'To ensure greater safety on our roads, and reduce the devastating toll road accidents have on lives and livelihoods, we aim to reduce road fatalities by 45% by 2029 so we reach the UN target of halving road fatalities by 2030,' said Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy during the ministry's budget vote in Parliament on Wednesday, 2 July Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) puts the crash bill at R186-billion a year – about 2.8% of GDP – well above the global average for middle-income states. Statistics SA shows about 6,423 road deaths were officially recorded in 2019 on death certificates. However, the RTMC State of Road Safety 2023 and international data estimate the real annual toll closer to between 11,883 and 12,000. For context, that places South African road fatalities (25 per 100,000) at levels worse than countries such as Botswana (~18 per 100,000), the UK (~3 per 100,000) and only slightly better than Mozambique (~31 per 100,000). 'We will never have accurate stats of how many accidents are caused by unroadworthy vehicles … we cannot even quantify the cost,' says the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse's (Outa's) Rudie Heyneke, one of the lead authors of a 2025 report on corruption allegations at vehicle testing stations (VTS). The Stats SA record confirms the 25-39 age group bears the brunt – a direct drain on households, employers and the tax base, let alone the human cost. Heyneke makes this point clear: 'It's not a direct expense, but it's my money, it's your money, that goes into financing that ambulance, that hospital. It's a huge cost to the country.' Why is this happening? Law, tests and stations The National Road Traffic Act of 1996, Regulation 138 and SANS 10047/10216 make it clear: every car must pass a physical inspection at change of ownership, with annual tests for taxis and trucks, and semi-annual for buses. 'Passenger vehicles must be tested only with the change of ownership … so you can think that there's a lot more that can go wrong' says Heyneke. Many of the vehicles on the road today might fail a roadworthiness inspection, and requiring more frequent checks would indeed make our roads safer. However, even when Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR) checks are required, the answer is not that simple. Second testing The problem, as Heyneke explains, is that many testing centres are vehicles for corruption. For example, if your vehicle fails a test in Gauteng, you can skip repairs or buy a pass in Limpopo or North West, a process enabled by a loophole in the way we manage vehicle roadworthiness fraud has become such an issue that Minister Creecy requested a probe be launched by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). The National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) does not log failed test data or block a second pass, even if a pass is registered on the system within minutes after failing in another province. The RTMC was not able to provide data on the number of fraudulent CoRs logged and voided in response to written questions by Daily Maverick and referred our queries to the Department of Transport. The department had not responded to any of Daily Maverick's questions by the time of publication almost a week later. Outa's 2025 probe shows dozens of cross-border 'pass buys' every month, heavily used by taxis, buses and mine trucks. Stats SA data show only 54% of Gauteng's road deaths happen where the victim lives – mirroring the same cross-border test routes. 'Your car dies in Gauteng, but it's born 'safe' in Limpopo – that's the scam.' Private stations, public conflict Since the 1990s, private vehicle testing stations have multiplied to boost capacity – but oversight has fallen by the wayside. Limpopo now issues far more CoRs than its national fleet share of about 6% would justify, according to Outa data. Many station owners are also fleet operators, second-hand dealers or local politicians – an obvious conflict. The SIU's investigation falls under Proclamation 191 of 2024, signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, covering officials, owners and syndicates. Unsafe roads, bad cars, a perfect storm The 2025 Africa Status Report on Road Safety shows South Africa's roads often lack lighting, signage and routine repair – add that to our decaying fleet plus fraud guarantees failures. Many 'driver error' fatalities are actually mechanical failures – worn brakes, broken steering, bald tyres that never saw a real inspection lane. Stats SA shows 27% of victims die in hospital and 13% are dead on arrival – strained public health infrastructure means that weak trauma care and rescue make the damage worse. International data confirm countries enforcing periodic inspections cut fatality rates by half or more. The WHO's Global Status Report on Road Safety of 2023 shows that countries with more frequent mandatory public roadworthiness inspections, which are centrally logged, consistently see fewer road fatalities over time, particularly with regard to mechanical failure-based crashes. The UK mandates annual testing, while Japan and Germany mandate biannual roadworthiness tests – and the numbers all demonstrate the clear efficacy in reducing crashes and fatalities. There has been a welcome decrease in road fatalities this year, with Easter weekend being notably calmer, with a 45.6% change since last year. 'We commend all those who played a role in this outcome,' said Automobile Association (AA) CEO Bobby Ramagwede in a statement earlier this year noting the improvement. 'Through coordinated efforts, we are finally beginning to see measurable improvements in road safety.' DM What this means for you The SIU's large-scale investigation is now live – asset freezes, possible criminal charges could see the light of day to investigate vehicle trading centres and a decline in the number of roadworthy certificates that are improperly issued. Outa hopes to host a national roundtable later this year with the ministry, SIU, fleet groups, taxi councils and VTS owners to push fixes. The fixes are not rocket science, according to Outa's Heyneke: Enforce periodic testing for older cars – the law already allows it; Upgrade NaTIS with a national block: fail once, no second pass without repairs; and Mandate photo and video evidence for every test, meaning no false paperwork. Until the loopholes close, every fake CoR is potentially a road crash tax that's quietly draining nearly 3% of South Africa's GDP – but until paper matches metal, we're paying in blood and billions. DM
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Time of India
‘Finalise vehicle tracking draft rules in 90 days'
Mumbai: The Bombay high court on Tuesday directed the state govt to finalise draft rules for the installation of vehicular tracking systems (VTS) in public vehicles registered before December 31, 2018, within three months. The state's advocate informed that draft rules are pending consideration from the govt. A bench was hearing a PIL by an NGO, Helping Hands for Humanity. It stated that several states established Nirbhaya command centres and ordered tracking devices and emergency buttons to be installed in old and existing public vehicles. Maharashtra, by not directing the installation of the devices, is putting the lives of women and children in danger. TNN
Hindustan Times
03-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
UP uses AI, drones, and satellites to stop illegal mining
: The Uttar Pradesh government is now using modern technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, and satellites, to stop illegal mining and the illegal transport of minerals in the state. Officials said that more than 21,477 vehicles involved in illegal transport have been blacklisted. They are used to measure the length, width, and depth of mining sites. This helps the government know exactly how much mining has taken place. (For representation only) To monitor mining vehicles, the state has set up 57 smart check gates with help from the transport department. These gates use AI and Internet of Things (IoT) technology, along with Weigh-In-Motion (WIM) sensors, to detect overloaded vehicles and stop them. The directorate of geology and mining is also using satellite images and digital mapping tools like Google Earth, Arc-GIS, and LISS-IV data. These tools help them find illegal mining areas and also discover new zones with untapped minerals. A special lab called the remote sensing lab (PGRS Lab) is working on making geological maps and watching over approved mining areas. To improve tracking of mineral transport, the government is installing GPS devices in vehicles under the Vehicle Tracking System (VTS). These GPS devices follow the AIS 140 standard and send real-time data to the VTS system. They provide alerts if a vehicle goes off-route and give full reports to catch illegal activity. Also, for the first time, transporters are being registered as official stakeholders to make the system more transparent. Drones are also playing a big role. They are used to measure the length, width, and depth of mining sites. This helps the government know exactly how much mining has taken place. Drones are also used to check how much mineral is stored and to mark out areas for legal mining. The new system has improved transparency and has stopped the operations of illegal mining groups. Officials said that this strong and smart use of technology is helping protect the environment and improve governance. Uttar Pradesh's methods are now being seen as a model for other states to follow.
New Indian Express
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
Uttar Pradesh government cracks down on illegal mining using AI and drones
LUCKNOW: In a decisive move to check illegal mining and mineral transportation in Uttar Pradesh, the State government has started to use advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, and satellite-based monitoring systems to curb the menace. With an enhanced vigilance, the state has blacklisted over 21,477 vehicles found involved in unlawful transportation activities. As part of the crackdown, 57 AI and IoT-enabled check gates have been established across the State to monitor vehicles engaged in illegal mining operations. These automated checkpoints, set up with the support of the state transport department, utilise Weigh-In-Motion (WIM) technology to detect and prevent overloading of vehicles. In addition to real-time vehicle monitoring, the Directorate of Geology and Mining is using advanced satellite imagery and mapping tools such as Google Earth, Arc-GIS, and LISS-IV data to detect both illegal mining sites and identify untapped mineral zones. The department's Remote Sensing Lab (PGRS Lab) is preparing geological maps and monitoring approved mining leases. This has helped in identifying new areas rich in sand, morang, and other minor minerals. To track the transport of minerals more effectively, AIS 140-compatible GPS devices are being installed in vehicles under the Vehicle Tracking System (VTS). These devices will be connected to the department's VTS module, enabling real-time tracking, route deviation alerts, and detailed reports (MIS) to prevent illegal transportation. For the first time, transporters are also being registered as stakeholders to bring them into the system. The use of drone technology has made it possible to measure the length, width, and depth of mining areas. Volumetric analysis through drones helps accurately estimate the amount of mining done, and action is taken based on these findings. Drones are also being used to analyse the volume of stored minerals and to mark out mineable areas for proper lease management. This ensures the best use of available mineral zones. 'These steps by the state government have significantly helped in controlling illegal mining. Regular inspections and tech-based monitoring have improved transparency and curbed the activities of mining mafias,' said a senior state government official. The official also added that the efforts not only promoted environmental protection but also strengthened governance and accountability in the mining sector.
