The law enforcement blitz on freight vehicles and other road users travelling along the M7, which links the N3 in Pinetown with the Bluff and the Port of Durban, will continue.
Image: eThekwini Municipality
Concerned users of the M7 road have encouraged law enforcement to continue vehicle and truck patrols to curb traffic.
The eThekwini Municipality stated that the enforcement blitz focused on freight vehicles and other road users travelling along the M7, which links the N3 in Pinetown with the Bluff and the Port of Durban.
A coordinated multi-agency road safety enforcement operation was conducted on March 17, resulting in R368,400 in fines.
The municipality stated that efforts are made to improve safety on one of Durban’s most critical freight corridors.
The operation was led by the eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA) in partnership with the metro police, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport (DoT), the South African Police Service, the Fire Department, and the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO).
One of the success stories was when the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) pulled over a freight truck, whose company was found to have accumulated R297,000 in outstanding speeding fines.
In addition, motorists were fined for a range of violations, including failure to display a licence disc, faulty tyres, and disregarding compulsory road signs.
The RTI recorded R310,500 in fines, while the metro police issued R34,900, and the Fire Department issued R23,000 for various infringements.
The Acting Head of ETA, Nelisiwe Zama, said the operation forms part of eThekwini Municipality’s Road Safety Plan, which prioritises freight-related enforcement due to crash patterns associated with speeding, overloading, and unroadworthy heavy vehicles.
“The M7 serves as a vital gateway to the port, making compliance essential for the safety of all road users.”
Zama said similar targeted operations will continue as part of an ongoing campaign to reduce road crashes and promote responsible driving behaviour across eThekwini.
Jay Singh, who represents the United Independent Movement (UIM) in the eThekwini Municipality, said the cumulative fines issued, including the discovery of a single freight company owing a large amount of money, are clear evidence that calls for stricter enforcement were justified.
Singh added that for months, he has been working with the ETA and the metro police to address motorists' and residents' safety concerns.
“While our communities applaud this sudden visibility, my message to the municipality is clear. This cannot be a once-off blitz in response to public pressure.
“We are seeing the fruit of our advocacy, but we now require a transparent rollout plan. To truly secure the M7 freight corridor, these operations must be consistent, unpredictable, and part of a long-term strategy, not just a temporary reaction,” Singh added.
Kevin Pillay, Malvern Community Policing Forum chairperson and member of the M7 Task Team, said the community is very pleased to see this enforcement action taking place.
“The people have spoken, and the authorities have responded positively to the call,” he said.
Concerned road user Nilesh Maharaj said that road users are glad to see meaningful action taking place.
However, they understand this is only the start of sustained, proactive action by law enforcement and other relevant departments.
“The necessary infrastructure upgrades require the Transport Department and other relevant agencies to take proactive measures, which should have been implemented over 20 years ago, when there was a noticeable influx of a variety of road users and vehicles,” Maharaj said.
He said there has been commitment from the DoT via email, but road users await further advice on their short-, medium-, and long-term action plans.
“We cannot afford any further loss of lives or injuries due to the remission of actionable proactive measures that should be implemented.”
Maharaj thanked all road users for taking steps to ensure people feel safe when commuting on any road within eThekwini, starting with the M7.
“We also appreciate those department officials for finally hearing our cries for help, including Malvern CPF and residents for all their assistance, including Councillor Singh.”
zainul.dawood@inl.co.za