Illegally parked trucks create toll plaza hazard

Anna Cox THE PROBLEM of illegal parking of heavy vehicles at night at toll plazas on the N3 has resurfaced once again. Chief executive of N3 Toll Concessions, Tim Ivins, said that at the end of last year the problem had almost disappeared after a huge combined blitz by the Kwa-Zulu Natal road inspectorate and the SAPS with co-operation of the Road Freight Association. An awareness campaign was launched and offenders warned and some even fined. However, since the outbreak of foot and mouth in the province, there was little manpower to monitor the plazas and the problem was starting to resurface, said Ivins. It was a matter of great concern because sometimes up to 300 trucks were parked there at night and this was extremely dangerous, especially if a vehicle went out of control or caught alight. “The risk of a major fire or hazardous chemical disaster is very high,” he said. The trucks are also often left unattended while drivers seek diversion at these spots. The illegal stopping is also putting drivers at risk of theft, muggings and hijacking and contracting sexually transmitted diseases. “These stops also provide little opportunity for rest and hence many drivers proceed on their journey not sufficiently rested to manage the risk they may encounter,” he said. The company has informed offending operators and trucking companies of the risk.