The issue of heavy vehicles using residential roads has once again come under scrutiny, with Argyle Road, which is currently under construction, now closed to heavy traffic.
Frustrated residents contacted the Courier on Sunday, voicing their anger at the continued presence of coal trucks in residential areas. Streets most affected include Douglas, Union, and Wilson, where residents say trucks rumble through daily, mounting the traffic circle, which increases noise levels and causes structural damage.

“These trucks move around seven days a week. They drive fast and have no consideration for other road-users. I saw one driver on Sunday simply drive over the Union Street traffic circle, so municipal infrastructure is also being damaged,” said one resident.
Upper Victoria Street residents are also unhappy about the number of trucks using the road – seven days a week and even after hours.

Residents welcome road signs erected to keep heavy vehicles out of the suburbs

That route has become busier since the closure of the R602 two months ago, after a section of the surface collapsed between Glencoe and Wasbank.
Construction work is expected to be completed within the next few weeks, but for now, those wanting to get to Ladysmith are using the Dundee/Wasbank road.

Reacting to these complaints, Cllr Naresh Gopie said he had also received calls from residents and had requested that the Traffic Department look into reinstating their overtime to exercise control over trucks that do not follow the set route.
In 2023, an agreement was reached with contractors transporting coal to use a specific route, which included Browning Street on to Victoria Street, up to Wilson Street and down Commercial Road to Helpmekaar Road and on to the processing plant at Coalfields.
There was also an agreement not to operate after sunset or on Sundays. Coalfields management has been asked to comment and this will be published once received.