The AbaQulusi Municipal Traffic Police have kicked off a strict night-time road protection campaign aimed at removing heavy trucks from Vryheid’s town roads between midnight and dawn.
The clampdown targets truckers who pass through the town during prohibited hours, with authorities blaming the illegal night movement of trucks for the rapid deterioration of road infrastructure.
Municipal officials say the operation is rooted in existing bylaws that restrict the movement of heavy motor vehicles through certain parts of town, especially during off-peak hours when there’s less traffic enforcement and more risk of damage going unnoticed.
“From midnight to early morning, we’re out there monitoring the roads. Any truck found violating the ban will be stopped, the driver will be fined, and held until the following day,” a traffic officer told SA Trucker.
The campaign is not aimed at targeting the trucking industry as a whole, but rather ensuring that road preservation measures are respected.
“This is about saving our roads, not making life difficult for drivers,” said a municipal spokesperson.
Local residents have voiced support for the move, citing road safety and noise concerns during late hours.
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But some in the trucking sector argue that there’s limited infrastructure outside town to support rerouting at night, especially for deliveries running on tight schedules.
Still, the municipality is not backing down. The enforcement teams will be active every night, and no tolerance will be shown to violators.
Truckers are urged to plan their routes carefully and avoid town during the restricted hours or risk a fine – and a disrupted schedule.
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