Mere months since Bains Kloof Pass unveiled its new silky smooth surface after intensive engineering upgrades, big interlink trucks still seem to disregard restrictions that seek to protect it.

Photo evidence of an incident on the pass dated 4 October, showcasing a car carrier trailer/truck narrowly passing by Dacres Pulpit, was sent to the Department of Transport and Public Works.

Paarl Post inquired about implications to incidents in which logistics companies are proven to ignore height restrictions as well as incidents causing damage to road infrastructure.

The department’s spokesperson, Jandré Bakker, observed: “While unfortunate that the heavy motor vehicle disregarded height restrictions [on 4 October] it does not seem to have been stuck.

“It is fortunate that the vehicle seems to have been travelling in the direction of Wellington where the height is less of a concern than the opposite direction.”

Nonetheless, he said, “based on the photographic evidence provided, the height restrictions were disregarded.”

Fortunately, incidents in which trucks get stuck, causing delays and damage on the Bains Kloof Pass, have been few and far between.

“On inquiry with various stakeholders we have only been able to identify one incident that resulted in the pass requiring closure, where the truck had to reverse down the pass on 27 June.

“Apart from that incident, no other major damage had been caused in the pass.”

The department also notes an incident where a truck caused a minor delay when it wanted to make a u-turn before the pass’ entrance on 21 September.

Rules and restrictions of Bains kloof Pass

• The Department of Transport and Public Works says all road users should adhere to the rules associated with the road they are travelling on.
• In the case of Bains kloof Pass there are length (9 m) and height restrictions (3,87 m) with clear restriction signs at both entrances to the pass.
• By ignoring such signs, the driver/operator of such a vehicle is putting their life and the lives of other road users at risk. It also causes significant frustration to other road users.
• Any road user who causes any damage to road infrastructure may be held liable for the cost of repairs. This may be in the form of a claim.
• The cost would not be a fixed amount and would depend on the nature of the damage caused, which could be a considerable amount.
• Mountain Passes South Africa shares an overview of the historic Bains Kloof Pass on YouTube to first-time drivers:

“The pass is 28,6 kilometers long and contains 205 curves and corners, of which three are full hairpins (a bend in a road with a very sharp inner angle),” the overview video details.

“It climbs 457 m in altitude to summit at 594 m and has comfortable gradients on both the ascend and descent.”