Mhlaba Memela

Mhlaba Memela

KwaZulu-Natal road traffic inspectors impounded three overloaded trucks near Pietermaritzburg on the N3 northbound from Johannesburg yesterday.

Officers said the Durban-bound vehicles were carrying containers with an overload of 20 tons more than the standard weight of 56000kg.

All three overloaded trucks were from Uni Cargo Logistics freight company.

Three direct charges have been opened at Alexandra police station and the case is under investigation. The trucks are being kept at Mkondeni compound until the load is rectified.

KwaZulu-Natal safety MEC Bheki Cele said the move was a clampdown on truckers who break the law.

"Our effective Operation Yehlakancane, which is mainly targeting truck operators, will be enforced to its maximum to ensure that all culprits are apprehended."

Cele said overloading trucks was a serious offence because it impacted negatively on the province's road maintenance budget. Overloaded trucks also cause risks to other motorists.

"Truck owners will have to take responsibility for their business and stop making money at the expense of government business and mandate," said Cele.