There’s a “threat” roaming the regional and provincial roads around Grahamstown – especially at night – that is worrying a group of local farmers.
There’s a “threat” roaming the regional and provincial roads around Grahamstown – especially at night – that is worrying a group of local farmers.
Farmers Adrian Moss, Mario Hockley and Peter Wylie recently met with representatives from local police and traffic authorities to try find a solution to what they deem a lawless danger on the roads around where they work and live.
“Donkey carts pose a serious threat to motorists and themselves when they travel on national and provincial roads, especially at night,” said a concerned Hockley.
Carts without lights, sometimes controlled by young drivers with no knowledge of road rules, pose a threat to everyone on the roads, according to the farmers.
Yet traffic regulations don’t seem to restrict the drivers of these rustic vehicles.
Makana municipality’s assistant traffic director, Coenraad Hanekom, says there’s no legislation requiring donkey carts to be licensed, making it very hard to monitor and control their movements.
“There is no law to enforce so we cannot confiscate or chase donkey carts off the roads,” Hanekom said.
Glen Miller, chief of the Grahamstown branch of the provincial traffic department, said there is also no age limit with regard to donkey cart drivers. “Basically, a seven-year old boy can legally drive a donkey cart,” he said.
Another problem relating to the donkey carts is theft, according to Wylie, who accused cart owners of cutting fences and trespassing on his land.
But there isn’t much that the law can do for farmers, it seems.
“Trespassing is considered a ‘B’ crime,” said Lieutenant Colonel Monray Nel of the Grahamstown SAPS, “and most offenders will get away with a minor fine.”
Nel emphasised the need for cooperation between the farming community and local authorities to devise practical measures to educate and monitor donkey cart owners.
“Donkey carts are here to stay,” he said, “we need to work together to ensure the safety of all road users.”
Miller suggested an initiative to provide donkey cart owners with reflective tape to increase their visibility at night, as well as continued cooperation with the chairperson of the Makana Donkey Association, Annerie Wolmerans.
