A NEWLY-FORMED coalition of residents and local organisations from Glenwood, Manor Gardens, and Umbilo is gearing up to apply the brakes on the rising impact of heavy trucks rumbling through their neighbourhoods.

Operating under the banner of the Glenwood, Manor Gardens and Umbilo Trucking Action Group, the alliance is calling on authorities to urgently address the escalating disruption caused by large freight vehicles using suburban roads not designed for such traffic. To kickstart the campaign, the group will host a public meeting on Saturday, October 11, at Sica’s Guest House in Manor Gardens, from 13:00 to 14:30.

“Our suburbs are being turned into industrial corridors,” said Bryan Ashe of the Manor Gardens Ratepayers Association. “Noise, pollution, road damage and serious safety risks are mounting — and residents are fed up.”

Also Read: Umbilo residents demand relief from truck nightmare

Among the key hotspots are Mazisi Kunene Road, Alan Paton Road, Umbilo Road, and the area around the Queensmead Shopping Precinct. Residents say these routes are increasingly used by trucks either avoiding congestion or being misdirected due to poor signage and a lack of consistent Metro Police enforcement.

“Ineffective signage and weak enforcement are making things worse,” Ashe added. “This meeting is a first step toward a unified community response — and toward holding the right people accountable.”

The discussion will also cover the planned expansion of the Port of Durban, including new container terminals and fuel-related projects, as well as proposed developments at the Old Airport site. Community members fear these large-scale initiatives could worsen the existing problems unless mitigation measures are properly implemented.

Also Read: Trucks, traffic nightmare pose hazard on Tollgate Bridge

“This isn’t about being anti-development,” said Ashe. “It’s about smart development that protects our neighbourhoods and quality of life.”

The Glenwood, Manor Gardens and Umbilo Trucking Action Group includes members of the Glenwood and Bulwer Ratepayers Association, Manor Gardens Ratepayers Association, Umbilo residents, and the Umbilo Business Association. They are urging all residents, business owners, and civic leaders to attend the meeting and be part of a growing movement for change.

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