Motorists around Somerset West are living in fear as heavy and abnormal trucks, bypassing the N2 weighbridge, are increasingly using Main Road between Old Main Road, Firgrove, and the R44 Broadway Boulevard as a shortcut.
Local resident Johann Jooste is leading the charge for action, citing dangerous driving and the rapid deterioration of the recently resurfaced road. “These truck drivers have no respect for other road users,” Jooste said, recounting his own harrowing experiences. “I have twice in the last two weeks been pushed off the road, and another driver threatened me with a dangerous weapon. It’s become a terrifying ordeal to drive in Main Road.”
The problem, he explained, stemmed from trucks seeking to avoid the N2 weighbridge. This diversion has led to a dramatic increase in heavy vehicle traffic on a road ill-equipped to handle it.
“In June 2022 I reported the appalling condition of this road,” Jooste recalled. (“Row brews over M9’s deteriorating state”, DistrictMail, 20 July 2022).
“After much effort the entire section was resurfaced, for which we were all immensely grateful. But now it’s being destroyed again.”
Jooste emphasised he had foreseen this problem. “I specifically requested and appealed for signage to be placed at these intersections, prohibiting heavy and abnormal vehicles from using this section to avoid the weighbridge, but my warnings were ignored.
“I now again appeal to both the Western Cape Government and the City of Cape Town to consider the above request seriously. We need immediate action to protect our roads and our safety. Signage and enforcement are crucial to preventing further damage and ensuring the safety of all road users.”
Asked to confirm claims that heavy trucks were using Main Road to avoid the weighbridge, Kevin Jacobs, spokesperson for the Traffic Service, stated his division was aware of this claim and had informed the Western Cape Provincial Traffic Department.
“There are no prohibited-restriction signs that will allow traffic officers to enforce the offence,” clarified Jacobs. “Traffic officers conducted vehicle checkpoints on many occasions on the M9 to check for roadworthiness and other offences. Given the sheer number of vehicles on the roads, the size of the metropole and the many demands on our services, it is simply not possible for the Traffic Service to be visible everywhere, all of the time.”
Mayco member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas, said the City’s Transport Planning and Network Management Branch did not receive the request for signage prohibiting trucks from using the road, however, the matter will be investigated and feedback provided. He added that claims that the road condition was deteriorating will be investigated and appropriate action will be taken. “It is to be noted that this road provides access to Winery Road and Steynsrust Road that leads to agricultural hubs,” said Quintas, and clarified that the road was recently transferred to the City as the road authority.
