A freight truck operator has been fined R800 000 for operating with an expired licence and for multiple unpaid traffic fines following a joint law enforcement operation in Durban.
The operator was stopped recently during a routine freight compliance blitz conducted on South Coast Road and Solomon Mahlangu Drive in the city.
According to eThekwini Municipality, the operation was part of Transport Month activities led by eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA) in collaboration with Metro Police, Fire Services, the Road Traffic Inspectorate, and the Border Management Authority.
The operation focused on ensuring freight trucks complied with key regulations such as vehicle weight limits, permits and roadworthiness.
Authorities also uncovered fraudulent dangerous goods permits, leading to the arrest of a woman allegedly involved in producing fake documentation. Counterfeit regulatory stamps and altered permits were confiscated during the operation.
ETA road safety senior manager Ravina Sewlall said non-compliance and unroadworthy vehicles remained a major challenge.
She noted that fines issued during the campaign included: R5 000 for failure to display a dangerous goods certificate, R2 500 for failure to renew the certificate, and R1 500 for failure to maintain fire extinguishers.
Road Freight Association chief executive officer Gavin Kelly warned that transporting hazardous materials without proper certification posed serious risks and he urged operators to ensure compliance.
