Physical controls are needed to stop prohibited trucks entering the Swartberg Pass and blocking the route, according to the Swartberg Pass Action Group (PASS), but the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure says no further engineering modifications are planned.
The calls follow heavy vehicle incidents requiring recovery assistance while the closure of Meiringspoort has increased reliance on the pass for permitted traffic between Prince Albert and Oudtshoorn.
Two heavy vehicle incidents were recorded on the Oudtshoorn side between July 17 and August 27, Muneera Allie, Head of Communication at the Western Cape Mobility Department, told Freight News.
The August 27 incident involved a heavy motor vehicle, carrying 30 000 litres of petroleum, that was unable to turn. Recovery assistance was required and the pass was temporarily closed for approximately five hours, Allie said.
Unsuitable trucks continue to enter the narrow mountain route despite restrictions and warning signs, PASS Chairperson André Perold told Freight News.
In a September 7 submission to the Prince Albert Municipality and Western Cape government, the group documented incidents involving trucks becoming stuck, blocking traffic or requiring intervention to turn them around. These disruptions affected access for residents, deliveries and businesses, according to PASS.
Physical barriers, vehicle screening, turn-back points, clearer warnings and stronger enforcement are needed, the group argued. It also called for engagement with navigation providers about concerns that GPS directions could lead truck drivers onto the pass.
“The risk is known. The incidents are documented. The opportunity to prevent the next one still exists,” the submission stated.
Vehicles longer than seven metres, caravans, heavy vehicles and trucks and trailers are prohibited from using the pass, confirmed Stephen Heyns, Acting Head of Communication at the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure.
“All existing signage on the Swartberg Pass fully complies with the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual,” Heyns said. No further engineering modifications are planned at this stage, he added.
Enforcement falls under the Mobility Department, which said its officers conduct targeted patrols and take action when prohibited vehicles are found. Heavy vehicles have been intercepted and turned around while Prince Albert municipal traffic officials also monitor part of the route.
“A permanent traffic officer station at the pass 24/7 is not operationally feasible,” Allie said. “Resources are deployed according to risk, traffic and operational requirements.”
The department has not directly engaged with navigation providers on vehicle routing although it is aware of the concerns. It will consider engagement if further information indicates that GPS directions are contributing to the problem, the department said.
Meiringspoort is expected to reopen under traffic accommodation conditions at the beginning of 2027, according to the Department of Infrastructure. Until then, the restrictions on heavy vehicles using Swartberg Pass remain in place.
