CBD truck ban welcomed
With more than 2 000 fully loaded trucks entering the town each day, including articulated and abnormal vehicles, the roads have taken a tremendous punishment over the past few years.
THE decision taken by the City of uMhlathuze to ban heavyweight trucks from the Richards Bay Central Business District (CBD) is a welcome and long overdue one.
With more than 2 000 fully loaded trucks entering the town each day, including articulated and abnormal vehicles, the roads – not designed for these kinds of weights – have taken a tremendous punishment over the past few years.
Besides the tarred surface itself, lack of wide turning circles has seen kerbs and pavements cave in under the crush of tyres.
And since the streets are not wide enough, with sufficient turning areas, they bring with them added traffic pressure.
Again, there are no parking spots allocated for these large vehicles, so they park wherever they can, which has led to an increase in littering – including condoms and fast food containers.
There are also no ablution facilities.
Spillage from overloaded trucks has been another ongoing issue, while criminals have used the trucks as cover while they steal fittings from air-conitioners in the CBD.
These problems have been raised countless times at Council, ward committee, ratepayer, CPF and other meetings.
At last the issue is being addressed, including the fact that no overnight parking of delivery trucks will be permitted.
One trusts the necessary monitoring and prosecution of offenders will take place.
However, until the new truck stop has been constructed opposite the Alton robots on the John Ross Parkway, most of the problems will simply change geography.
Congestion in that area could be a nightmare.
Truckers, who bring millions of rands into the economy – mostly through the port – deserve proper facilities where they can eat, wash and rest.
The truck stop must be given top priority.
