As part of ongoing measures to keep roads safe, a major enforcement operation was conducted on the M17 on Tuesday, targeting non-compliance and unsafe freight vehicles.
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To bolster road safety along one of Durban’s busiest freight corridors, a coordinated multi-agency enforcement operation on the M7 on Tuesday netted R368 400 in fines.
Spearheaded by the eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA) in collaboration with the Metro Police, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, South African Police Service, Fire Department, and the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences, this initiative aims to address rising safety concerns associated with freight vehicles and other road users.
The M7, which provides a crucial link from Pinetown to the N2 and serves as a major artery for the Port of Durban, witnesses a high volume of heavy truck traffic daily.
As part of the enforcement blitz, the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) targeted freight vehicles, a key focus area due to crash patterns linked to speeding, overloading, and unroadworthy conditions prevalent among heavy vehicles.
During the operation, inspectors made a notable discovery when they pulled over a freight truck belonging to a company that had accrued R297 000 in outstanding speeding fines. Motorists were penalised for multiple infringements, including failure to display a valid licence disc, faulty tyres, and non-compliance with compulsory road signs.
RTI recorded R310 500 in fines, while Metro Police issued R34 900, and the Fire Department issued R23 000 for various infringements.
As part of eThekwini Municipality’s comprehensive Road Safety Plan, authorities have placed a particular emphasis on freight-related enforcement.
Nelisiwe Zama, acting head of eThekwini Transport Authority, said the operation underscores the Municipality’s commitment to safer roads.
“The M7 is a vital gateway to the port, and ensuring compliance on this route is essential for protecting all road users,” she said.
Authorities confirmed that this operation marks the start of a sustained campaign to reduce road crashes and enhance safety across eThekwini.