Metro police keep close watch on truck drivers
SANDTON - In the wake of the N12 accident in Alberton last week, Metro police spokesperson Wayne Minnaar has issued guidelines for truck drivers and owners, to prevent serious accidents.
Minnaar said there was no excuse for trucks not to be fully roadworthy. “Tyres should always be in a good condition,” he said. “Tyres fitted with re-treads should not be used when the tyre casing starts to pull loose. The braking system on trucks and trailers should always be in a good working condition.”
He said truck drivers should have an appropriate licence for every class of vehicle. Minnaar said trucks and buses with the gross vehicle mass of below 16 000 kilograms require a C1 licence. This is a special licence for a motor vehicle, a bus, minibus or goods vehicle with a gross vehicle mass between 3 500 kilograms and 16 000 kilograms.
“Some drivers also require a professional driving permit for which an individual must pass a medical test and police check,” he added.
Minnaar explained that truck drivers need to stick to the legal speed limit. “The speed limit for trucks with the gross vehicle mass in excess of 9 000 kilograms is 80 kilometre per hour.”
He said truck owners who do not comply with the law would have their trucks confiscated. “We are going to clamp down hard on them,” said Minnaar.
Report dangerous vehicles on the road to the Metro police.
Details: 011 375 5911 or 011 375 5911.
Tell us on our Facebook page if you have driven on the road next to a truck which was not roadworthy.
