KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Willies Mchunu was at the forefront of a roadblock on Field’s Hill yesterday.
The roadblock yielded insight into the reason heavy trucks are using the steep and winding route to Durban: to avoid paying toll fees.
Mchunu was supported by scores of police and traffic officials yesterday morning as his department launched their first campaign of transport month, and it was during his four-hour stint pulling over vehicles that one truck driver offered his reason for avoiding the N3 toll route.
“I am trying to find out why drivers are not using the N3, and this driver has said he does not have (money for) toll fees,” said Mchunu.
“If they are not given toll fees, they will use Field’s Hill and become a danger,” Mchunu said.
“The driver said he cannot pay for the toll out of his own money as it is a company vehicle, and he is right,” said Mchunu.
Road Freight Association spokesman Gavin Kelly said:
“If the driver had a toll card, he would use the toll card as there is nothing else he can do with it.
“Other operators give the drivers money and tell them it is up to them what route they use.”
Mchunu said he was still in the process of speaking to all interested parties about the possible ban on heavy trucks using the M13.
However, he was reluctant to put a time frame on the discussions. -The Mercury