Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi, this morning conducted spot inspections at weighbridges in Meyerton (Midvaal) and Bapsfontein (Ekurhuleni) as part of the province’s law enforcement campaign in the wake of last week’s horror crash on the N12 in which four people were killed and 48 cars damaged.
Vadi said he was shocked that on average 25 percent of trucks inspected were found to be overloaded.
“My worst fears are proving to be true. Almost one in four trucks tested were overloaded and several had mechanical defects,” said Vadi.
Of the 25 trucks tested at the Meyerton weighbridge in the first two hours, 11 were issued with fines for overloading; two trucks had tyres that were in poor condition, and two drivers were not in possession of the necessary clearance certificates. In one instance, the truck had no number plates and no permit to transport heavy goods.
In Bapsfontein, of the first 48 trucks inspected, 10 were overloaded and Gauteng Traffic Police issued three warning notices to drivers.
Vadi said that the inspections show that in spite of the horrific crash that took place last week, truck operators continue to overload their vehicles and place un-roadworthy trucks on the roads.
“This is completely unacceptable. I must warn drivers and operators that weighbridge inspections are going to be stepped up in Gauteng and penalties will be enforced,” said Vadi.
“Your drivers are not going get away easily with attempts to avoid the weighbridges as we are going to intensify our law enforcement operations,” he added.
The provincial roads and transport vowed last week to re-activate weighbridges that were not functional in the past.
Enquiries:
Octavia Mamabolo, Head of Communications
Tel: 011 355 7300
Cell: 083 316 8666
Email: Octavia.Mamabolo@gauteng.gov.za
