Is this the end of trucks on Vryheid’s roads?

Last week, an agreement was reached with all the stakeholders in Pongola regarding the N2 being used by trucks

It looks like the N2 is open to trucks, following a recent meeting. However, there are conditions to be followed by truck drivers. The issue of trucks on Vryheid’s roads has long been a contentious one. Let’s take you back a bit and provide you with the tragic background to this saga…

In September, 18 schoolchildren were killed in a crash between a truck and a bakkie that was transporting the children to their homes. The bakkie was travelling from Pongola towards Piet Retief when the accident occurred. Camera footage from another truck’s dashboard showed that the truck involved in the crash overtook two other trucks on a solid white line before hitting the bakkie.

This devastating incident prompted the community along this route to ‘ban’ all tipper trucks from using the road. This caused the trucks to make use of alternative routes which included Paulpietersburg, Vryheid and Melmoth; in turn resulting in several accidents and heavy traffic on these roads. Even though residents of Vryheid complained about the influx of trucks in town and on surrounding routes, some smaller businesses welcomed the extra business, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. One specific business owner indicated that he goes the extra mile to ‘service’ these trucks, since business had been slow. He said that ‘business has been flourishing since the trucks were diverted through Vryheid’.

Last week, an agreement was reached with all the stakeholders in Pongola regarding the N2 being used by trucks. The road was opened to all trucks, including tipper trucks, but there are a few conditions as listed below:
1. Unbranded trucks will not be allowed to pass. All trucks that are fully branded with contact details and company names will be allowed to pass.
2. All trucks are to stop at the compulsory stop in Tshelejuba (next to the hospital).
3. All trucks must adhere to the speed limit of 40km/h when entering the designated zone.
4. NO overtaking will be allowed.
5. No trucks are allowed to move from 06:30 to 08:00.
6. All trucks must keep a safe following distance of approximately 50m or more (this will allow small vehicles to pass and reduce traffic congestion).

The community pleaded with trucking companies to ensure that all their drivers adhere to the above conditions and work in conjunction with each other to ensure that the N2 stays open. Furthermore, a committee will be established by truck drivers, who will be part of a bigger committee that will include all stakeholders.