William Nicol update: trucks banned

As of 2 September, JMPD spokesperson Wayne Minnaar can proudly say that truck drivers on William Nicol Road who break the law will be fined for their misconduct.

On Tuesday 27 August JMPD spokespersons Minaar and Edna Mamonyane met with the Record to discuss the recently erected signage on William Nicol Road.

Past accidents, specifically the horrific pile-up of 14 June, inspired Minnaar to lobby for signage on the road in his personal capacity.

“I applied for it personally – to prevent accidents, injuries and the deaths of innocent people.

“Because on that day, I saw how innocent people got injured and died [sic],” said Minnaar while pointing out one sign at the intersection of Ontdekkers and William Nicol Roads, turning right from the service road into William Nicol Road towards Life Flora Clinic. Another sign is visible from Ontdekkers Road turning left into William Nicol Road towards Life Flora Clinic. The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) is still to take down a sign on William Nicol Road that indicates that trucks should shift to a lower gear, according to Mamonyane and Minaar.

Minnaar and Mamonyane were happy to communicate that, as of 2 September this year, the driver of any heavy load vehicle who ignores the new command road signage will be subject to a fine.

“The JMPD will issue a R500 fine to any person who disobeys these signs,” said Mamonyane, explaining that JMPD officers would be monitoring the area regularly.

The spokespersons advised that the best alternative route for truck drivers to take would be to drive down Ontdekkers Road towards Johannesburg and turn left into Hendrik Potgieter Road.

Minnaar mentioned that similar signage was put up on Doreen Road in Wilro Park that becomes Peter Road in Ruimsig.