Cape Town - The strike by petrol attendants has made increasing number of motorists wonder why they cannot just fill up their petrol tanks themselves.
This would not be a good idea, according to the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA).
Although current reports claim that only a handful of filling stations have been negatively affected by the recent petrol pump attendant strike, the AA has issued a statement to urge the public to remain patient while the strike continues.
"There are specific laws that make filling your own tank at a petrol station illegal," the organisation said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
Section 2A(5)(b) of the Petroleum Products Act clearly forbids self-service by consumers of prescribed petroleum products on the premises of a licensed retailer.
"In addition, there are various health and safety matters to consider," the AA said.
"Petrol pump attendants have been trained on how to work with fuel, use the various types of pumps and to know the limits of individual makes of vehicles."
The organisation urged motorists, for their own safety and the safety of those around them, to leave the filling up of vehicles to be handled through the measures put in place by filling stations.
"The AA urges all consumers to think long-term regarding this strike in the event it drags on," it said.
"The best solution is to ensure that your tank is filled up on a regular basis. So even if your tank is half full, make sure to top up at every opportunity to avoid being stranded."
- Fin24
This would not be a good idea, according to the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA).
Although current reports claim that only a handful of filling stations have been negatively affected by the recent petrol pump attendant strike, the AA has issued a statement to urge the public to remain patient while the strike continues.
"There are specific laws that make filling your own tank at a petrol station illegal," the organisation said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
Section 2A(5)(b) of the Petroleum Products Act clearly forbids self-service by consumers of prescribed petroleum products on the premises of a licensed retailer.
"In addition, there are various health and safety matters to consider," the AA said.
"Petrol pump attendants have been trained on how to work with fuel, use the various types of pumps and to know the limits of individual makes of vehicles."
The organisation urged motorists, for their own safety and the safety of those around them, to leave the filling up of vehicles to be handled through the measures put in place by filling stations.
"The AA urges all consumers to think long-term regarding this strike in the event it drags on," it said.
"The best solution is to ensure that your tank is filled up on a regular basis. So even if your tank is half full, make sure to top up at every opportunity to avoid being stranded."
- Fin24