By: Samukelisiwe Mkhwebane

The eThekwini Municipality is working on launching a joint programme with the Port Authorities to educate heavy truck drivers and bring them up to speed with tips on road safety.

This initiative came about after numerous complaints from residents of the Glenwood and Umbilo area. They are enraged that heavy trucks are using the wrong roads, traveling through suburbs and blocking the entrances to their properties.

Umbilo resident Vanessa Williams said that the trucks using these roads pose danger to the children who cross the road to and from school.

“They double and triple park alongside the road, making it impossible for pedestrians to watch out for oncoming cars before crossing the road,” she added.

Last week Wednesday, a truck lost control and overturned on Ester Roberts Road, causing an obstruction.

Ward councillor, Nicole Graham, said that the truck issue is problematic because there are larger concerns that are out of her scope and that of Metro Police.

“This is mostly because of restrictions with the port- there is insufficient parking available and drivers find a place within the surrounding suburbs to park their vehicles,” she said.

Graham said that Metro police are assigned to do regular operations in the area, though with limited success.

“The eThekwini Municipality has a forum to deal with issues relating to the harbour,” she added.