Phase one of truck ban plan swings into action

Anna Cox THE FIRST step has been taken in the controversial plan to ban trucks from Gauteng's freeways at certain times of the day. The short-term strategy implemented on September 16 will enforce existing legal requirements pertaining to heavy vehicles in Gauteng. A decision will be taken on the definition of heavy vehicles while authorities will investigate the various freeways in Gauteng to determine usage by heavy vehicles. Recommendations will be made for each freeway with specific times the restrictions will be in force. Heavy vehicles will be restricted to the left lane of the identified freeways during the times indicated and will be prohibited from overtaking. Their maximum speed will be reduced to 60kmh. A pilot study for banning/restricting heavy vehicles during the peak periods on identified freeways will be undertaken. Authorities will continue to identify and engage all role players and stakeholders, install variable and fixed road signs and check legal requirements. Results will be monitored. The long-term strategy to be implemented by April 2003 will: l Continue to study international best practice of implementing a ban on heavy vehicles on freeways in Gauteng during peak periods; l Continue to investigate the impact of the proposed ban; l Continue to engage all roleplayers ; l Use data received from the first phase to determine the benefits and disadvantages of the strategy, especially the results achieved in reducing congestion during the first phase to decide whether to proceed with the next phase.