Illegal parking plagues Umbilo

PARKING issues plague Umbilo residents who say they have an illegal truck stop on their doorstep. Resident John Perfect told Berea Mail that there are several trucks parked along Hillier Road most days. What’s more, he says motorists are parking against the flow of traffic on the road, which could lead to an accident.

“Sometimes trucks are parked here overnight, and sometimes there are large fuel tankers,” he said.

Perfect says police efforts are not enough to deter truck drivers from parking on the road.

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“I have seen traffic police stop here, clear the road and then 10 minutes later, the trucks are back,” he said.

Perfect said safety is a concern for residents who pass the trucks on foot.

“The majority of the residents in the area are elderly and do not have transport, so they walk,” he said.

Metro Police Senior Superintendent Boysie Zungu said police patrol the area on a daily basis.

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“We are aware of the complaint. This issue is handled daily as part of our routine inspection. The matter has been escalated to the eThekwini transport authority (ETA),” said Zungu.

According to Zungu, trucks are charged by Metro Police on a daily bases for: obstructing moving traffic, unlicensed vehicles or parking against the flow of traffic.

Zungu called on the community to report illegally parked vehicles by contacting the 24-hour control room at 032 361 0000.

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