Staff Reporter
THE Roads Authority (RA) is warning all truck drivers to refrain from parking in unauthorised areas on the sides of highways and major roads as this obstructs road visibility and increases the likelihood of serious accidents.
“The Roads Authority is urgently directing all truck drivers to immediately cease setting up illegal lay-bys on the national road network, especially those transporting manganese on the Trans Orange Corridor (Nakop Border Post via Grunau and Keetmanshoop to the port of Lüderitz),” said Constance Mwilima, RA’s Corporate Communication Officer.
Mwilima explained that a lay-by, a short strip of road on the side of a main road, is intended for temporary stops by cars. She warned that trucks parked in these areas obstruct road visibility and significantly increase the risk of serious accidents.
“From a road maintenance perspective, this causes excessive damage to road edges and shoulders. Moreover, debris is not contained in these areas as there is no dustbin, and this causes conflict between the RA and farmers as the debris is hazardous to their livestock,” she added.
Mwilima emphasised that all illegal lay-bys are strictly prohibited, and truck drivers violating this regulation will face stringent penalties and hefty fines. She highlighted that there are designated rest areas throughout the national road network, providing safe and legal locations for rest breaks and overnight stops.
“Hence, the RA humbly requests truck drivers to abide by the rules and utilise the provided areas only. Alternatively, transporters should apply for additional rest areas with good motivation as to why the current rest areas cannot be used and why extra rest areas are required,” Mwilima added.
Photo for illustrative purposes only.
