R800,000 fine for freight operator caught with expired license and unpaid fines
A freight truck operator was fined R800 000 for operating with an expired license and for multiple unpaid traffic fines during a joint law enforcement operation.
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A TRUCK operator has been slapped a staggering R800 000 fine for operating with an expired license and accruing multiple unpaid traffic fines.
This action highlights ongoing concerns over safety and compliance within the freight industry, a critical component of South Africa's economy.
The freight operator was recently stopped during a routine freight compliance blitz conducted on South Coast Road and Solomon Mhlangu Drive.
According to eThekwini Municipality, the operation was part of Transport Month activities and was led by eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA) in collaboration with Metro Police, Fire Services, the Road Traffic Inspectorate, and the Border Management Authority.
The operation focused on ensuring freight trucks comply with key regulations such as vehicle weight limits, permits, and roadworthiness.
Authorities also uncovered fraudulent dangerous goods permits, leading to the arrest of a woman allegedly involved in producing fake documentation.
Counterfeit regulatory stamps and altered permits were confiscated during the operation.
Ravina Sewlall, ETA Road Safety senior manager, said non-compliance and unroadworthy vehicles remain a major challenge.
She said fines issued during the campaign included R5 000 for failure to display a dangerous goods certificate, R2 500 for failure to renew the certificate and R1 500 for failure to maintain fire extinguishers.
Gavin Kelly, chief executive officer of the Road Freight Association, warned that transporting hazardous materials without proper certification poses serious risks and urged operators to ensure compliance.