World Cup trucking embargo fears allayed

With less than a hundred days to go before the world’s biggest sporting event kicks off in South Africa, no definite plans are yet available around the movement of freight in the country during the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup. While no official embargoes have been put in place, except for the movement of abnormal cargo in Gauteng and the Western Cape, newly appointed director general of the transport department, George Mahlalela, is on record saying while there will be no interference around the delivery of fuel and food for the tournament, road freight activities could be limited. DoT officials have confirmed that the finalisation of plans around the movement of road freight is under way, but several attempts by FTW to get a copy of the plan have been unsuccessful. A spokesman for the DoT said the plan would be available in the next two weeks. In the meantime Mahlalela told media that road hauliers could expect a range of limitations placed on the movement of freight – from trucks being diverted off certain roads to the prohibition of using specific roads at specific times. Mahlalela did however say that for the most part business would not be affected too much and continue as normal. According to the Gauteng DoT, the decision to place an embargo on the movement of abnormal cargo for the duration of the World Cup has much to do with not wanting to over-extend the capacity of its law enforcement agencies while also preventing any major traffic hiccups or congestion on the province’s roads. According to Gavin Kelly, spokesman for the Road Freight Association (RFA), the association has been in constant talks with the Department of Transport as well as the Local Organising Committee for the World Cup, and more definite information will be forthcoming closer to the event. “At this stage though we have the guarantee that there will not be an embargo on freight and that trucks can move freely around the country during the tournament. It is however imperative that operators avoid areas around soccer stadiums on or close to match days.” This also goes for public viewing areas and fan parks. “Much of it is common sense. If you have a delivery to make at Ellis Park – do so before or after the match, not on the day. Make sure you know where your trucks are delivering and on what days. Take note of the match schedule and plan accordingly.” While discussions with authorities have been in progress since 2006, there is still no confirmation on whether any specific roads will be closed off to trucks or whether they will be prohibited from travelling on certain routes. “As far as we know there are no plans to restrict freight and we don’t expect this to change. We are however trying to get information from the various host cities on their transport plans to help operators plan their truck movements during the event.” According to Kelly the rumour mill has fuelled much of the debate around road freight restrictions and the World Cup. “There is no doubt that there will be restrictions around traffic flow around match days at the stadiums but this will affect all road users not just trucks. Rumours have been strong though that trucks won’t be allowed on the roads and that business will come to a standstill. We don’t envision anything like this.” He said in some cases the probability existed that smaller trucks would have to be used for deliveries specifically around the stadiums but that would still have to be confirmed.