I REFER to the Highway Mail of 20 July, and the response from ward 10 councillor, Tex Collins, to the letter titled: “Nothing done to prevent big trucks using narrow road”.
I am of the unpretentious opinion it is inadequate. Listed below are recommended actions:
1. “I have written to the municipality…..” What about a meeting and “face time”. Writing is not a solution, the Post Office service is slow and response time remains an issue.
2. I suggest that through the council and eThekwini Transport Authority, arrange for a visible sign/notice board to be erected (M33 east and west-bound ), well before the point of no return, stating that the road is unsuitable for large vehicles (maybe another “job worth” that needs to be contacted, planning permission and a committee).
3. “GPS devices…” Why not communicate, preferably email all GPS service providers and request them to include a notification on their systems: Route /road number, M13 (east and west) is restricted, must not to be used by vehicles over 7 tons (issue GVM or Axle load?).
4. Contact each of the organisations that trade in Waterfall Shopping mall, the industrial estates and the overall area of Waterfall and have them endorse on their procurement orders through their control office and/or to suppliers, advising that all heavy-duty trucks must route along Inanda Road.
5. I assume that there is a Road Transport Association, the Freight Forwarders Association; get them involved and have them notify their members of the restriction on this particular Road.
6 “eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA)…” suggest to negate their inertia, going and visiting them.
Talk is cheap, Make it happen and do not tolerate the indolence.
Chris Clark
Upper Highway
