An Eskom truck driver received fines totalling R9 000 after entering the restricted Swartberg Pass, Prince Albert Municipality has confirmed.
A municipal official told Freight News that the truck entered the pass from the Oudtshoorn side on October 12 at around 14:37 despite existing restrictions. The driver received fines for four offences, including an expired driving licence, entering the restricted route and endangering other traffic.
The municipality said the driver was instructed to turn around.
The incident comes amid concerns from the Swartberg Pass Action Group (PASS) that signage and enforcement measures are not preventing prohibited vehicles from entering the narrow mountain route. The pass remains an important access route for permitted traffic while Meiringspoort is closed.
PASS Chairperson André Perold told Freight News that the group is encountering at least two incidents a week involving vehicles entering the pass.
“We’ve got a hotline with a number that people can call,” Perold said. “We are recording incidents and trying to involve law enforcement as quickly as possible.”
The group has also ordered two warning signs, measuring two metres by 1.5 metres, which it plans to erect at the entrances on the Prince Albert and Oudtshoorn sides.
The signs intend to reinforce restrictions prohibiting heavy vehicles and vehicles longer than seven metres from using the route.
“We are also planning to approach the authorities responsible for the surrounding park about doing more to address the risks,” Perold added.
Meiringspoort is expected to reopen under traffic accommodation conditions at the beginning of 2027, according to the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure. Restrictions on heavy vehicles using Swartberg Pass remain in place.
