Last weekend I drove over Bains Kloof Pass for the first time since it was re-opened after extensive renovations over a period of about two years.
And I must congratulate the authorities responsible for this, as the pass is looking absolutely beautiful.
The work has obviously been meticulously done, and Bains Kloof Pass can definitely be shortlisted among some of the most beautiful mountain passes in the world.
What, however, astounds me is the fact that I often read about large trucks still gaining access to the pass. This despite many warning signs as well as the chain barriers on the Wellington and Wolseley side warning drivers not to enter the pass.
But this continues, and not small trucks but very large horses with double trailers.
I cannot help but wonder whether the companies whose trucks these are are ever brought to task over this.
If this continues, and it surely will if no harsh measures are taken, the excellent renovation work done on the pass will surely just be a waste of money, as these massive trucks are just going to again cause damage?
The simple solution is that the provincial traffic authorities must just put up a sign on both ends of the pass that the owner of these vehicles will be fined, eg R50 000, if their trucks enter the pass. Once these restrictions are in place they must then be policed.
Yes, the drivers are guilty, but often the truck owners are the ones who instruct them to use the pass to save diesel or toll fees.
But I wonder whether the authorities will have the balls to enforce this, or are they just going to allow this beautiful historical pass to go to ruin. And that after all the hard work (and money) they have put into it!
