The Road Traffic Inspectorate in Pietermaritzburg has impounded 11 trucks during an early morning operation targeting freight companies accused of flouting traffic regulations.
The intelligence-driven operation, conducted under the #NenzaniLaEzweni initiative, focused on companies that deliberately operate at night to avoid detection.
Inspectors uncovered trucks with worn-out tyres, fraudulent roadworthiness certificates, missing transport permits,and cargo exceeding legal size and weight limits.
MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma warned that imported cheap and worn-out tyres were contributing to horrific crashes on the N3 highway.
“Worn-out tyres lack the necessary tread to maintain grip, making them prone to skidding, especially on wet surfaces,” Duma said.
“In addition, without adequate tread, tyres require more time and distance to bring a heavy truck to a complete stop, which is particularly hazardous in emergency situations. We have seen horrific accidents involving trucks that claimed lives along the N3.
“Critically, we will be working with leading tyre manufacturing industry role-players to ensure that we have a collective plan to respond to the influx of international cheap and illegal tyres.”
Duma said the situation was getting out of control in KwaZulu-Natal.
“These tyres which are no longer used in other countries have found a market here. They are not only hazardous and unsafe for use but they are also not designed for our road networks.”
Regulatory standards
Authorities reminded freight operators that all tyres used on passenger and commercial vehicles, including trailers, must comply with South African Bureau of Standards compulsory specifications for road safety.
The impoundments form part of a broader crackdown under Operation Shanela, aimed at improving road safety and reducing fatalities linked to reckless freight operations.
- The Road Traffic Inspectorate in Pietermaritzburg impounded 11 trucks during a targeted operation against freight companies flouting traffic regulations.
- The #NenzaniLaEzweni initiative focused on companies operating at night to avoid detection, uncovering worn-out tyres, fraudulent certificates, missing permits, and overloaded cargo.
- MEC Siboniso Duma highlighted the dangers of imported cheap, worn-out tyres contributing to severe crashes on the N3 highway.
- Authorities warned that these unsafe tyres lack adequate tread, increasing the risk of skidding and longer stopping distances, especially hazardous in emergencies.
- The crackdown is part of Operation Shanela, aiming to enforce road safety standards and reduce freight-related accidents in KwaZulu-Natal.
