Copyright © 2001 FleetWatch magazine and FleetWatch On-Line.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission from the publishers. Views published are not necessarily those of the publishers.

The growing need for convenient, safe and comfortable truck stops on all major road freight routes around South Africa cannot be over stressed. While several private institutions, most notably fuel companies, provide such facilities, many more need to be built to make the job of hauling cargo around the country safer and more professional. Government, via the Department of Transport (DoT) and the South African National Roads Agency Ltd (SANRAL) have initiated a programme whereby new truck stops are being built to improve truck transport efficiencies and driver job satisfaction, while simultaneously empowering local communities. Paul Collings attended the opening of the new Ventersburg Truck Stop.
 

Nazir Ali and Minister Radebe (centre) with the plaque to commemorate the opening of the Ventersburg Truck Stop

The Transport Minister Jeff Radebe conducted the official opening of the truck stop on 3 March 2006. Gathered on the site of the new facility were several local dignitaries and hundreds of Ventersburg citizens who came along to hear how trucks would help them make a better life for themselves and their families. 

Minister Radebe began by explaining that the truck stop was part of the recently launched National Freight Logistics Strategy, which "address issues of reducing the cost of logistics to the economy" and "that social and economic objectives are met within the freight logistics systems". 

"In January this year more than 244 000 trucks were moving our country's freight. In January alone 1 875 trucks were sold.This goes to show that our road freight transport is indeed growing with enormous speed. As truckers put it 'If trucks were to stop, South Africa will stop'," he said, while also emphasising the high rate of accidents on our roads due to driver fatigue. 
 

Venterburg traffic officials on parade as the Minister of Transport arrives at the truck stop

"The N1 carries many long-distance freight vehicles between Cape Town and Gauteng. Ventersburg, being the only town in the Free State through which the N1 passes, has been a convenient place for long-distance truck drivers to park. However, this has resulted in road safety hazards, excessive noise levels and damage to the internal town streets, as well as a threat to public health," he said.

The truck stop was built by local BEE contractors at a cost of R5.2 million on municipal land. "The construction of this Truck Stop is therefore a groundbreaking development for road safety. This facility will serve the purpose of both a truck stop and a rest area, which will have ablution facilities and showers, street area lighting and security fencing with controlled access as well as a medical facility. The provision of a medical facility, we hope, will contribute to raising the level of awareness about HIV/AIDS by truckers and assist those affected by it. As we know there is high prevalence of HIV/AIDS among truck drivers," the Minister added.

The citizens of Ventersburg were urged to embrace entrepreneurship and approach the truck stop operator with business plans to provide truckers with various necessary services including food and drink, groceries as well as truck repair and parts provision. Traffic officials have also been tasked to direct trucks parked alongside the road to the truck stop.
 

The local community turned out in their hundreds to witness the ceremony

SANRAL ceo, Nazir Ali, reiterated what the Minister said: "There is no excuse now for trucks parking in town causing a safety hazard and congestion. The Ventersburg Truck Stop represents a coming together of different departments of government to promote road safety and trucker rights. It also serves to ensure that trucks don't just drive through the town but stop and participate in its economy. While drivers get much needed rest, they will also have access to a wellness centre where they can verify their HIV/AIDS and diabetes status and have their eyes tested."

It is encouraging to see the DoT's broad strategy being implemented in a manner that not only educates communities about truck transport but also encourages them to work hand in hand with truck drivers and transport operators for the greater benefit of society. 

Well done to all involved in the establishment of the facility.