Calls for signage to deter trucks in Glenwood
Chairperson of the Mayville SAPS, Janus Horn said drivers are being led into the area by GPS systems that cater to small motor vehicles.
GLENWOOD residents are appealing for signage to deter trucks from driving through narrow one-lane roads in the residential area.
While trucks often get stuck in the narrow roads or damage infrastructure while attempting to navigate corners, chairperson of the Mayville SAPS, Janus Horn said drivers are being led into the area by GPS systems that cater to small motor vehicles.
“All the truck drivers are using GPS systems that are meant for cars. This GPS will show you the shortest possible route. If you see an 18 wheeler coming up Bidston Road into Glenwood Drive, it’s because that’s the shortest route to the harbour. Luckily most of these drivers are very skilled and can manoeuvre themselves out of the situation, but some get stuck. The drivers say they are coming from the Free State, that they don’t know Durban at all. If you had to come off the N3 freeway and make a right turn at Tollgate Bridge, the road looks wide enough. Then all of a sudden, a three lane road turns into a one lane road at the top of the hill. That’s where there’s a problem. I feel for the drivers because it’s not their fault, if there was proper signage as well as an alternative route for them to use, it would help,” said Horn.
“The thing we have asked for is signage from The Pavilion Shopping Centre all the way (to Tollgate Bridge) to prevent Trucks going up Peter Mokaba Road (Ridge Road),” he added.
Also read: Glenwood residents streamline system to report trucks
Damage to property caused by trucks affects residents.
“Trucks come through Manor Gardens and run over verges and hit walls. You see the damage the trucks cause because the roads are so narrow, but they just go through. A lot of the time it is at 04.00 in the morning and a resident will wake up to find they have no boundary fence left,” said Horn.
“The biggest concern we have is that it’s only a question of time before someone is killed. The reason is a lot of the trucks are not road worthy. They can’t make it up the hill from Tollgate Bridge toward Life Entabeni Hospital and they get suck on that bridge. We had a truck loose it’s load of oranges on that hill,” concluded Horn.
Also read: Truck driver killed in freak accident on N2 uMgeni flyover
Spokesperson for the Metro Police, Senior superintendent Parboo Sewpersad said residents can report trucks.
‘The signage for trucks entering the area is not within the mandate of Metro police. Our mandate is to enforce laws. However, the residents can contact our control room on: 031 361 00 00 or alternatively raise the issue at CPF level,” he said.
“To enforce the contravention of trucks parking in the suburbs, there has to be a sign erected at the entrance of the suburb,” added Sewpersad.
The eThekwini Municipality did not send their comment at the time this article went to press.
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