Seven abnormal trucks carrying oversized loads have been removed from the N3 after Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officers intercepted them travelling during prohibited night-time hours.
The trucks were stopped in the early hours of Wednesday morning, 29 July 2026, during a high-visibility operation aimed at improving safety on KwaZulu-Natal’s major routes as part of the province’s snow response plan.
According to KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma, the specialised heavy-haul trucks were transporting massive, fully assembled commercial or mining vehicles when they were intercepted near Pietermaritzburg.
The vehicles were taken off the busy freeway and impounded at the Umkhondeni Weighbridge.
Under the National Road Traffic Act, abnormal loads are not permitted to travel between sunset and sunrise unless special authorisation has been granted. The restriction is aimed at reducing risks associated with oversized loads operating during periods of reduced visibility and increased danger.
The RTI operation forms part of the #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation, which has been intensified following the rollout of the province’s snow response plan.
Authorities have warned that teams from RTI and Operation Shanela will maintain increased visibility along major transport corridors, including the N3, N2 and N11, as weather conditions continue to create challenges for motorists and freight operators.
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MEC Duma praised RTI officers for their vigilance, saying decisive enforcement action was necessary to protect road users and prevent disruptions on critical routes.
The latest enforcement action comes as thousands of trucks continue using the N3 corridor, one of South Africa’s busiest freight routes, connecting the port of Durban with inland economic hubs.
Transport authorities are urging all road users, especially heavy vehicle operators, to comply with traffic regulations and exercise extra caution during adverse weather conditions.
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