Truckers up in arms over abnormal permits in KZN

With an apparently technically unqualified person being put in charge of issuing KwaZulu Natal abnormal load permits, and no reply to the industry’s plea for an urgent meeting, the big truck brigade are up in arms. Speaking on behalf of the industry, Carl Webb, managing director of Project Logistics Management, member of the super-load (125-tonne plus) committee and former member of the Road Freight Association (RFA) abnormal load subcommittee, told FTW that the Department of Transport action could adversely affect the industry. Abnormal truckers have been advised in writing that, in future, all abnormal permits for KZN are to be approved by an Advocate Chamane, and not the engineers presently in charge of the DoT’s KZN permit office in Pietermaritzburg. While they accept that an advocate obviously has tertiary qualifications, he does not appear to have the technical background to ensure that, in applications for abnormal road permits, the vehicle and load specifications will suitably spread the load evenly over all the vehicle’s axles, and minimise road damage. “That is the engineers’ primary concern,” said Webb. “The danger is that this is likely to give all the cowboys out there with illegal or unsuitable trucks free rein to run loose on what is already a badly deteriorated road infrastructure. It will quickly reduce currently bad roads into unusable roads.” He added that, over the years, the truckers have had meetings with the KZN abnormal office, and resolved issues of concern to the benefit of all concerned. So, on behalf of the industry, an e-mail invitation was sent on November 4 to Chris Hlabisa, DoT executive in Pietermaritzburg, to meet with the abnormal road transporters and discuss their concerns. “We are willing to meet at your offices, or can offer our boardroom in our Hillcrest offices, which is convenient for all parties,” said the communication. “Please revert soonest, as the change in procedure could adversely affect the industry from this date.” But, Webb added, no reply had been received by FTW’s publication date of November 12. “Not a whisper,” he said. “Not even an acknowledgement of receipt.”