Labour dispute strike causes major delays at Durban tolls

Protest action by South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (Sanral) contractors has caused major traffic delays at the toll plazas on the N2 between Mtunzini and Tongaat as well as on the N3 at Mariannnhill, near Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal this morning, Highway Mail reports.

According to KZN Traffic Department, there has been no access from Tongaat on the N2 to Durban and Stanger. Motorists have been using the M41 as an alternative route.

READ MORE: WATCH: KZN road closed due to learners’ protest

However, senior superintendent Parboo Sewpersad, spokesman for Metro Police, said the Tongaat toll has been cleared. Protesters are still there, but there aren’t any problems at present.

“Unfortunately the protest action at Mariannhill Toll Plaza has affected traffic and only one lane is open both ways. Motorists are warned to expect delays.”

Sanral expressed concern that a labour dispute between one of its contractors and its employees has caused traffic disruption close to some of its toll plazas.

Vusi Mona, spokesperson for Sanral, said the company is concerned when there are labour issues that impact negatively on its national road network and toll operations.

“We can assure the public that processes are in place to contain further issues should the labour dispute continue. The toll operator, Intertoll, and the police are involved,” said Mona.

The striking workers are employed by Intertoll, a company contracted to Sanral to manage four of its toll plazas in the country.

“We are confident that Intertoll, together with South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (Satawu), which is negotiating on behalf of striking workers, will find an amicable solution soon so that motorists are not severely affected by any ongoing industrial action,” added Mona.

Mona stressed that all labour-related matters are between Intertoll and its employees, and Sanral is in no way involved in the ensuing disputes, or the resolution thereof.

“As an interested party, Sanral would like to see an agreement between the two parties being reached as soon as possible, so that normal traffic flows can resume,” said Mona.

Updates to follow.

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