Truck ban report delayed yet again

Alan Peat THERE’S STILL no final news on the proposed Gauteng truck ban - originally due to be decided in April, according to the provincial traffic authorities, Gautrans. But Carol O’Brien, Sacob’s transport specialist, told FTW the finalisation of the impact assessment study being prepared for the province by Pretoria-based Urban Econ, had now been delayed until end-April. The purpose of the study is to assess the economic impact of keeping heavy vehicles confined to the left hand lane of freeways during peak hours - as is currently the test case - and a total ban during the peak periods of the day. The reason for the postponement of the final compilation of the study, according to Urban Econ’s project manager, Ben van der Merwe, was that “further input” was required from the retail industry and the figures already compiled from other surveys now needed to be revised.