Delivery trucks still a problem on Juniper Road

DELIVERY trucks that park and block off traffic in Juniper Road in Overport as they deliver goods to Checkers at the Atrium, continue to cause distress to neighbouring residents.

The problem of the trucks is an ongoing one and has been raised yet again by ward councillor Chris Pappas who said the truck drivers were violating by-laws and inconveniencing residents in Juniper Road. According to Pappas, there is a constant flow of delivery trucks that are parked illegally on the red line, effectively blocking the road as they turn and in some cases, allegations have been made that truck drivers have threatened residents wanting to drive into their properties on the road.

“The Checkers trucks have become a problem and despite several attempts by the residents and the councillor to engage Checkers on the matter, there seems to be no joy,” he said.

Pappas said not only were the delivery trucks a traffic problem, but the noise pollution from the Checkers operation was ear-splitting. It included noise from generators, fans, the beep from reversing trucks, air-conditioning units and hooters.

“These trucks are seen coming in as early as 4am while residents are still asleep, or residents find a truck parked in their driveway when they want to leave to take the children to school. Moreover, the trucks are causing damage to storm water drains, electrical infrastructure and there are constant burst pipes on Juniper Road because the roads were not designed to carry that load,” said Pappas.

He said residents were now blaming councillors for poor service delivery because of the operations of a private business.

“I have engaged with Checkers and the residents on the matter, I have sent emails, tried to set up meetings and spoken to managers. I have met with residents on site, engaged with Metro Police and even given the residents the cell number of a senior manager for them to vent their frustrations directly to, as and when they occur. I do not have jurisdiction over private business but I will continue to fight this battle with and on behalf of residents of the area,” he said.

Responding to a request for comment by Berea Mail, Trevor Naicker, operations manager of the Bentel Group, said he would take up the matter with Checkers senior management as he felt something needed to be done about it.

“I will address this problem. We will do our best for the mall and for the customers,” he said.