The Western Cape Mobility Department has expressed concern about heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) getting stuck on Bain’s Kloof Pass recently.
In the past two months alone, the provincial department said seven HMVs had become lodged on the pass, causing significant disruptions to traffic flow and posing safety risks to other road users.
According to the department, Bain’s Kloof Pass has a clearly marked height restriction of 3.68 metres, and heavy motor vehicles exceeding this height should not use the pass.
However, despite the clear signage, some drivers of HMVs continue to disregard the height restriction.
“Removing a stuck heavy vehicle from the pass is a complex process that, depending on the nature of the incident, can take an average of five hours to clear,” the department said.
“In addition, there is limited or no mobile network signal on certain sections of the pass, which makes communication and incident response more challenging.”
The department has since appealed to all freight and logistics operators, as well as HMV drivers, to strictly adhere to the height restriction.
Traffic management chief director, Maxine Bezuidenhout, has urged all heavy motor vehicle operators and drivers to respect the height restriction.
“HMVs exceeding the 3.68-metre height limit should take alternative routes, such as R44 Wellington/Hermon Road or the Huguenot Tunnel (N1),” Bezuidenhout said.
“Our traffic law enforcement teams will continue monitoring the route and will take the necessary steps to ensure compliance.” – SAnews.gov.za
