A statement by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) at the Port of Durban says the introduction of an off-site truck staffing facility last week by a private bulk terminal in the Island View Precinct has had a noticeable impact on alleviating truck congestion in the Bayhead Precinct and surrounding roads.
Last week the parastatal announced that it had extended its own truck booking system to the Durban Multi-purpose Terminal (MPT), the third Transnet terminal to come on board after Durban Container Terminal’s two piers.
“The Durban MPT booking system enables transporters to book delivery slots 48 hours in advance or cancel a booking two hours prior to the time slot, while the private bulk terminal’s truck staging facility at the Old Durban Airport south of Durban requires trucks to be pre-processed before calling at the port,” the statement said.
“Truck appointment systems are being implemented to alleviate truck congestion on roads surrounding the port and are among the initiatives being spearheaded by the Port of Durban Decongestion Task Team.”
The port’s general manager, Moshe Motlohi, said the focus would now need to shift towards addressing depots along Bayhead Road.
“We have noted that they continue having their trucks park along Bayhead Road.
“We will continue doing everything we can to ensure that this issue is addressed with the relevant stakeholders.
“We have adopted a collaborative approach for each and every challenge that we are faced with and this one will not be treated differently. We therefore call on all stakeholders to join forces in our quest to decongest the Port of Durban,” he said.
