The upgrading of the Senekal and Kroonstad Traffic Control Centres is part of SANRAL’s commitment to address the problem of vehicle overloading.
The upgrading of two traffic control centres at Senekal and Kroonstad by SANRAL in partnership with the Free State Department of Police, Roads and Transport will help curb extensive overloading of trucks which has resulted in a marked deterioration of the provincial road network.
Overloading not only causes serious damage but also contributes to the problem of maintaining road safety.
Overloaded vehicles become a road hazard, especially because the vehicle’s braking system is put under strain and additional braking distance is required.
Senekal Traffic Control Centre
The Senekal Traffic Control Centre has been upgraded to a more technologically advanced weighbridge.
Illegally loaded vehicles are identified through weigh-in-motion equipment installed on the N5. Vehicles are then diverted to be weighed on static scales at the traffic control centre for mass certification and, in cases of overloading, prosecution.
Damage to roads as a result of overloading leads to higher maintenance and repair costs and shortens the life of a road which in turn places an additional burden on the state as well as law abiding road users who ultimately must carry the costs of careless and inconsiderate overloading.
The upgrading of the Senekal and Kroonstad Traffic Control Centres is part of SANRAL’s commitment to address the problem of vehicle overloading.
Kroonstad Traffic Control Centre
The Kroonstad Traffic Control Centre on the N1 has been upgraded with the installation of state-of-the-art weighing equipment.
This facility will provide roadworthy testing of vehicles and prosecution for those that are found to be on the wrong side of the law.
On the N1, which is a strategic route as it carries cargo from the ports in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and East London to various parts of the country’s inland areas, especially Gauteng, overloading has caused deterioration of the road infrastructure.
Ayandamabhaca Chagwe, SANRAL Eastern Region Project Manager: Design & Construction, said a stern warning is issued to motorists violating the rules of the road.
“The freight industry and motorists generally are warned to keep within the confines of the law or face the music should they be found to be on the wrong side. SANRAL is doing its best to provide a safe and well-maintained road network for the country’s socio-economic wellbeing and it is for every road-user to ensure that road assets are kept in good condition.”