A TOTAL of 20 trucks were issued with hefty fines after they were found to be operating with fraudulent dangerous goods certificates during a freight enforcement operation on October 15.

The multi-agency operation, held along South Coast Road and Solomon Mahlangu Drive, included the metro police, fire services directorate, border management authority, and the Road Traffic Inspectorate.

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A further three trucks were impounded, while one truck driver was arrested. A total of 36 trucks were stopped and checked during the operation.

Officials checked vehicles for outstanding traffic fines, fire safety equipment, and fire permits (dangerous goods certificates issued by the Fire Services Directorate).

Work permits and passports of foreign truck drivers were also scrutinised.

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ETA road safety senior manager Ravina Sewlal said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of multi-agency collaboration in improving road safety.

“The discovery of 20 trucks operating with fraudulent dangerous goods certificates is deeply concerning and highlights the need for continued vigilance,” Sewlal said.

She said the operation formed part of ETA’s ongoing road safety and compliance programme, which runs throughout the year and not only during Transport Month.

“These operations target high-risk areas identified through traffic and crash data. I commend our Road Safety staff and partners for their dedication and professionalism,” she added.

Road Safety Practitioners will continue with similar operations across eThekwini, focusing on hotspots identified through data analysis.

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