Load restrictions not adhered to

BIYELA Street and Mtubatuba Road in Empangeni are becoming not just an eyesore, but a hazard for motorists, too.

The blame for the rapidly deteriorating roads is placed on heavy trucks using it on a regular basis.
Residents are not happy and the Zululand Observer has received several complaints.

‘At 6.30am on 9 January, a truck and trailer had jacked-knifed and ended up blocking both lanes. Traffic in both directions had to turn around and go another way as it was a mess,’ a disgruntled resident complained.
Reports of damaged tyres and rims are also common.
‘Trucks are supposed to use the Outer Ring Road instead of Biyela Street and Mtubatuba Road, but few truck drivers are keeping this law.

‘There is going to be a serious accident when a driver loses control after hitting one of the many bumps or holes created by these heavy trucks,’ another resident said.
In response, Chief Communications Officer for the City of uMhlathuze, Vukile Mathabela said: ‘Biyela Street is the main entrance for delivery vehicles to the CBD, thus there will be several using that road during the day.
‘No other heavy vehicles are supposed to go into the CBD as there are load restrictions on Main Road, at the entrance to the town at Fukwe Street and at the R102. Thus no heavy vehicles, other than delivery trucks, are suppose to be in town.

‘However, there are some trucks that take a chance and take the shortcut through town and not around town along Ngwelezane Road, but that must be policed. I also know that trucks enter town along the P243 past Zididele Village.

‘They enter town along Hospital/Mtubatuba Roads and then turn onto Biyela Street and make their way out of town using Ukhula Street. We are aware of the problem and are working hard to make sure that we fine the offenders,’ Mathabela said.