WATCH | Truck blockade shuts Van Reenen's Pass on the N3

Another truck blockade saw Van Reenen's Pass on the N3 being closed on Thursday morning as traffic picked up on what was the start of a long weekend for many people.

The N3 Toll Concession's Thania Dhoogra said the protest by truck drivers had affected traffic in both directions on the national route linking Johannesburg and Durban.

The latest protest comes two days after truckers blockaded part of the N3 between Warden and Villiers in the Free State on Tuesday.

The All Truck Drivers Forum and Allied SA (ATDF ASA) told TimesLIVE on Tuesday the protest was related to the employment of foreign truck drivers, which has long been a concern of local drivers.

“Foreign truckers are being put ahead of South Africans. [They should] go to countries where there is a shortage of skills. Instead they come to SA where there is an unemployment crisis,” said Sifiso Nyathi of the ATDF ASA.

Dhoogra said on Thursday police were on the scene.

“In KwaZulu-Natal the Road Traffic Inspectorate is directing northbound [traffic] off the N3 at the Colenso/Frere interchange.”

She advised motorists to delay travel at the start of what is supposed to be a long weekend for many.

“Heavy traffic congestion and delays may be experienced in both directions of the N3 Toll Route.”

Dhoogra said Tugela Plaza was also closed to northbound traffic.

Provincial police spokesperson Brig Jay Naicker said: “Several articulated vehicles have been used to close both lanes of the N3 near Windy Corner. The keys of the vehicles are not available as the drivers have parked their vehicles and fled.

“Traffic is being diverted to alternative routes. However, the traffic is backed up in both directions. We are advising motorists to avoid that area if at all possible until the road is cleared.

“Police and other departments are on the scene and attempts are being made to tow those vehicles causing a blockage. Police are investigating this matter and we are confident the perpetrators will be traced and arrested,” said Naicker.

TimesLIVE

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