Tow truck strike forces Toti couple to fork out thousands for new flights
Gavin and Lisa Welsh were left infuriated after they missed their flight due to tow truck protesters who blockaded the N2 northbound on Friday morning, 26 May.
AMANZIMTOTI couple, Gavin and Lisa Welsh were left infuriated after they missed their flight due to tow truck protesters who blockaded the N2 northbound on Friday morning, 26 May.
Tow truck drivers blocked the freeway north of Springfield Park to King Shaka International Airport, with posters tied to their trucks brandishing messages demanding ‘fair tow rates’.
Discussions with an unrelated tow trucker who was not part of the protest action revealed that the protesting tow truck drivers may be taking issue with funds being lost to insurance companies which reportedly act as ‘middle-men’.
The Sun has reached out to the United Towing Association of SA (Utasa) for further clarity on what sparked the freeway protest action and is awaiting its feedback.
The Welshes were among countless motorists using the N2 northbound who were frustrated by the blockade.
“We left Toti at 6.30am. Three hours later we were still 24kms from the airport and the plane was boarding,” said Gavin. “These tow truck drivers have a complaint with an insurance company, so decided to block the N2 by driving 2kms an hour.”
Gavin and Lisa missed their flight and had to purchase new tickets.
“Our new tickets cost us an extra R4,220,” said Gavin. “Not to mention that South African Airways is unsympathetic to the strike and are charging us full price for our second tickets.”
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