The coal truck saga rumbles on as residents are left frustrated once again following news that Transnet has rejected the alternative route that would have kept coal trucks out of the central business district.
The route, as proposed by Buffalo Coal, would have seen trucks travel on a new gravel road behind the old police canteen, join the main Dundee/Vryheid road, before crossing the railway line over a level crossing and then going to a service road adjacent to the railway line to the Coalfields washing plant.
Kevin Mattison, Buffalo Coal general manager, confirmed that Transnet had rejected the route as the crossing was deemed to be not level enough by Transnet.

Following protests from Watt Road residents who felt the effects of coal trucks driving through their neighbourhood, the municipality and the mine agreed to change the route to run up and down Victoria Street and Willson Street to the washing plant.
It then became a problem for shop owners on Wilson Street who had to endure the trucks speeding past their shops, the dust damaging their goods and roads been slowly eroded away.
While the trucks continue to use this route, it’s not only Willson Street that’s feeling the effects.
Smith Street residents and business owners are now voicing their frustration at trucks that park in the street.
Not only do the trucks take up many of the loading and parking bays, they also disturb the peace. One resident said that trucks can be heard revving their engines in the early hours of the morning as drivers get ready to start their days.
The trucks also cause a major inconvenience for local businesses in the area.

Mr Mattison said Buffalo’s truck drivers and hauliers hired by the mine know they are not allowed to stop their vehicles in town to buy food.

Delivery trucks cannot get into the loading bays because of trucks parked in the area. Residents have also said that over the weekend, numerous trucks can be found parked in the street.
Mr Mattison said Buffalo’s truck drivers and hauliers hired by the mine know they are not allowed to stop their vehicles in town to buy food.
“There is a cafe at the washing plant where food can be purchased. It is only if a truck breaks down that the driver will be forced to stop.”
He said there are many independent companies that buy coal from the mine and while Buffalo has no power to tell them where they should stop, he said a formal appeal would be made to drivers not to stop in town and to stick to the agreed route through town.
Other truck operators, besides coal trucks, are also using Smith Street as an informal depot.
A traffic official confirmed that they have received complaints about the trucks and was
taking action.
The official said that Traffic Chief had written a letter to the
Legal Department who would be following up the matter.