Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association (RFA) applauded the efforts to clampdown on problem trucks and errant truck drivers that were breaking the law in eThekwini and KwaZulu-Natal. .

A multi-agency operation was held by the eThekwini Transport Authority’s (ETA) Road Safety Branch on Tuesday. The operation, which was held along South Coast Road and Solomon Mahlangu Drive, involved the Metro Police, Fire Services Directorate, Border Management Authority, and the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI).

The freight enforcement blitz by eThekwini municipality has seen three trucks being impounded and hefty fines being issued for twenty freight vehicles which were operating with fraudulent certificates.

A total of 36 trucks were stopped and checked during the operation.

The City said in a statement that officials checked vehicles for outstanding traffic fines, fire safety equipment, and fire permits (dangerous goods certificates issued by the Fire Services Directorate). Work permits and passports of foreign truck drivers were also scrutinised. ETA Road Safety Senior Manager Ravina Sewlal said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of multi-agency collaboration in improving road safety.

“The discovery of 20 trucks operating with fraudulent dangerous goods certificates is deeply concerning and highlights the need for continued vigilance,” Sewlal said.

She added that the operation formed part of ETA’s ongoing road safety and compliance programme, which runs throughout the year and not only during Transport Month.

“These operations target high-risk areas identified through traffic and crash data. I commend our Road Safety staff and partners for their dedication and professionalism,” she added.

The municipality said road safety practitioners will continue with similar operations across eThekwini, focusing on hotspots identified through data analysis.

Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association (RFA) applauded the efforts to clampdown on problem trucks and errant truck drivers that were breaking the law in eThekwini and KwaZulu-Natal. 

Kelly commended the KZN Department of Transport and the relevant authorities tasked with ensuring compliance with the National Road Traffic Act (NRTA) relating to the operation of vehicles on a public road.

He said that the RFA has – for many years – noted that the lack of safety on the roads / bad behaviour / poor condition of vehicles will only be addressed and turned around for the better when the various authorities tasked with policing these factors perform their tasks continuously, without fear or favour and with good repercussions for those who choose not to conform.

“This is a good move in KZN – it bodes well for all who choose to maintain their vehicles, operate according to the rules and seek to operate safely and efficiently. Well done to the authorities in KZN – hopefully this is not just a transport month gimmick,” Kelly stated.

Recently, the RTI conducted a blitz on trucks at the N3 Mariannhill Toll Plaza.

During the opration, foreign truck drivers were found driving trucks with worn-out tyres. In order to save innocent lives, the trucks were impounded.

The MEC of Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma reiterated that it is better to prevent such things, as worn-out tyres are inclined to skidding. Operation #NenzanilaEzweni will be intensified hand in hand with the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Unit, the SAPS, the Department of Labour and Employment, the Road Traffic Management Corporation and other agencies.

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za

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