WATCH: Truck trouble intensifies on R66/R34

MOTORISTS are urged to avoid the R66/R34 route as community members are reportedly blocking trucks passing through on both lanes.

The situation has been volatile since Friday night when trucks were at a standstill overnight and only light motor vehicles were allowed to pass through. There were further reports of rock throwing and aggression with a stationary SPAR truck completely looted of its grocery load on Friday night. Truck drivers reportedly fled in fear.

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Operators with perishable and other food supply have since been urged by authorities to avoid the route today due to heightened looting threats. On Saturday afternoon, there were further reports of trucks being pulled over with air pipes being sabotaged.

This follows an appeal by Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC Sipho Hlomuka, who urged Pongola communities to work with government and allow trucks back on the N2 as the ban is causing severe congestion on the alternative R34/R66 routes and increasing the risk of accidents.

The MEC said the increased volume of trucks on the R34/R66 was damaging road infrastructure, which was not built to endure heavy vehicles.

“The N2 via Pongola was designed to handle heavy-duty vehicles and is a strategic route for trucks as it connects the provinces with other Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries.”

Authorities are monitoring the tense situation and motorists have been urged to use alternative routes.

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