Trucks destroy infrastructure, says resident

THERE has been no relief for residents on Hillier and Teignmouth Roads despite a meeting with city aand Road Traffic Inspectorate officials to curb heavy trucks from parking on the rods.

Johan De Beer, was optimistic after the meeting and hoped laws would be envorced to prevent trucks from parking on the narrow roads and damaging pavements and stormwater drains, however, he says nothing has been done.

De Beer said trucks continued to park in the road, and recently one had broken a newly built drain along Hillier Road.

“This is the third drain that has been broken by these trucks. The drivers do not care. We have so many water leaks as a result. When the trucks park across the entrance to our building, I call Metro to enforce, however they call back in 20 minutes to ask if the truck is still there, instead of coming out to fine them,” he said.

He said the trucks continued to leak oil on the road and the tar in the road was cracking because of the weight of the trucks.

“The taxpayers are paying for this damage and it is not right. The 10ton signs which were promised at all intersections have not materialised. I want to know what is happening,” he said.

A resident at Flamingo Court said trucks also parked there and caused similar damage. David Captain said the municipality was in the process of fixing a broken drain there as well.

“The trucks climb onto the pavement and damage the drains. They do what they want and don’t care about the damage,” said Captain.

In response to queries from Berea Mail, eThekwini Head of Communications, Tozi Mthethwa said Metro Police were acting on illegal trucks in the area, and went out in full force on 8 September during a law enforcement operation, targeting unroadworthy trucks and those that contravened city by-laws.

“The roadblocks which were set up on Bayhead Road, the M7 and South Coast Road were in response to complaints by residents and motorists that the trucks were a nuisance, unroadworthy and caused damage to roads. During the blitz, Metro Police arrested 22 truck drivers who had outstanding warrants of arrest,” she said.

Metro Police superintendent, Anand Maharaj said the operation resulted in the issuing of six warrants of arrests amounting to R8 100 and outstanding summons totalling R83 800.

Maharaj said the operation also yielded positive results such as the prosecution of trucks with unroadworthy tyres, hooters that did not work, driver’s found driving without Professional Driving Permits, unlicensed vehicles and wheel flaps that were not fitted on vehicles.

“We also prosecuted one driver who was found without a license, one was found driving while talking on the cellphone and not wearing a seatbelt,” he said.

Maharaj said law breakers in the Municipality would not be tolerated.

In order to curb the scourge of trucking companies transgressing by-laws, Maharaj said the city promptly responded to reported cases.

The cty has regularly conducted similar operations in residential areas, where truck companies have been found operating illegally and making use of residential roads thus damaging roads and pavements.

Maharaj said in those instances contravention fines were served on the transgressors.

Mthethwa said further to combating the issue of illegal trucking, the eThekwini Transport Authority had developed the ‘Integrated Strategic Framework and Action Plan for the eThekwini Municipal Area’.

This plan will look at all freight and logistics interventions which will be required for the next 20 years to manage and improve freight activity in the metro.

One of the findings and recommendations would be the Cato Ridge Intermodal Hub which would be required in the long term. It is envisaged that the intermodal hub will be jointly planned, developed and operated by the City alongside a private operator. The plan suggested that further investigation be carried out to determine the ideal operating model and responsibility.

Maharaj said to date, a stakeholder forum, which all land owners in the area form part of, was formed and regular enforcement would continue until all transgressors were brought to book.

Residents can report illegal trucking on unauthorised roads to the Metro Police Emergency number 031 361 0000.