Strict new rules for trucks
2003-10-31 21:33
Cape Town - Cape traffic authorities on Friday announced new road safety measures following a recent spate of accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles.
Compulsory check points for trucks will be established along the N1, which traffic officers will man 24 hours a day.
Four check points were introduced last year for buses and taxis between Beaufort West and Touws River. These check points will also be operated through the festive season.
Tasneem Essop, Minister of Transport and Public Works for the Western Cape, announced the emergency measures after 21 people were killed in a gruesome accident earlier this week involving a bus and a truck. The crash occurred on the N1 near Leeu Gamka.
She said traffic officers would be ruthless with drivers breaking the speed limit.
Kenny Africa, provincial deputy traffic chief, said it would be mandatory for all trucks to stop at these points where drivers would be checked for fatigue.
He said motorists would be encouraged to stop every two hours or 200km to break the monotony of driving.
Africa said the vehicles' roadworthiness would be tested at these stops. Drivers of unroadworthy vehicles would be fined.
Several weigh bridges would be in operation. Overloaded vehicles would be fined and drivers would have to lighten their loads before they will be allowed to continue on the journey, Africa said.