Sir,
The article covering ‘Abnormal Load Parcels’ (October 4) was an out-of-proportion account of affairs, and shamefully seeking to stir public feelings against the visits of these devoted drivers and back-up crews.
Phrases like ‘massive problem’, ‘terrible mess’, ‘prostitutes’, ‘shockingly’, ‘faeces’, ‘dirty deeds’, ‘dumping dirt’, etc. should be more appropriate for the appalling situation surrounding the taxi rank, Dundee rail station and the ring road of Fouché Street bordering Sibongile, instead of minute cases.
I have been observing these cargoes for some time now, which are met, co-ordinated and escorted in excellent disciplinary fashion by our local traffic officers.
Other than the destructive criticism arising from your article, I am waiting with anticipation to see which prosperous area (municipality) is going to welcome these loads into town, in the knowing of the importance of their contribution to the prosperity of their area. Of course this means jobs, food on the table, service deliveries, trade and improved living standards.
Many of these trucks hook off and refill in Dundee; the crew buy food in Dundee; some of the crew sleep at B&Bs in Dundee. The rest of the crew are loyal and stay with the valuable cargo.
Perhaps the anonymous writer should bring to council’s attention the spin-off our town can benefit from these visits. Why not make it a welcome, friendly off-road parking facility, with refuse bins and chemical toilets? This will also benefit locals that are frequently patronising the grounds for all kinds of reasons, also resulting in littering, etc.
By the way, no mess was left by the two trucks in your article – this was personally observed by me as I live in Fouché Street, Dundee.

Chris Potgieter