By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Truck drivers barricaded the N3 toll route early on Friday causing major disruptions to traffic at Van Reenen’s Pass.
The N3 Toll Route said an extensive backlog of traffic is already being reported in the area, and as a result, the Tugela Toll Plaza is now also closed in a northbound direction towards Gauteng.
“Law enforcement is on scene to monitor the situation. Road users are advised to delay travel to the area until further notice,” the N3TC said.
KwaZulu-Natal SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker added that police are on the scene.
“Traffic is being diverted to alternative routes. SAPS is on scene, and attempts are underway to remove the trucks,” he said.
Gavin Kelly, the chief executive of the Road Freight Association, in a statement also said: “Once again, the transport and logistics industry is being held captive by those who prefer to work outside the law. The vital N3 route between the Port of Durban and the interior has been blocked – again. Violence and looting has occurred according to some reports – whilst individuals have taken the law into their own hands to pull drivers from trucks to check their personal documents.
“Law abiding transporters are subjected to this. The Road Freight Association has called on government again and again to do what is necessary. They must deal with those who see themselves above the law – arrest, detain and investigate the inciters, those who perpetrate these acts, and those who take it upon themselves to act like police or authorities of the State.”
Kelly said the constant road blockages were ruining South Africa’s on the continent. “We are fast losing any respect as a safe, efficient and desirable route for the movement of goods out of, and into, Africa – and even South Africa.”
In October, the highway was closed to traffic following a protest by truck drivers.
N3 Toll Concession said it was unclear why the drivers were blocking the road but law enforcement officers were in the area monitoring the situation.
For route updates, to report problems or to obtain emergency assistance along the N3 Toll Route, contact the 24/7 N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57 or follow @N3Route on Twitter.