Opened in 1991, the Kempston Truck Stop on Settlers Way in East London has become a landmark in the area.

Back then, the stop could overnight a maximum of 10 trucks. However, with more goods than ever before now being transported by road - fuelled by the fact that these vehicles had little choice but to park illegally in emergency lanes, on public roads and in open spaces - the Truck Stop’s facilities have been substantially expanded.

While it can now accommodate up to 80 trucks, the average per night is about 60 with over 200 commercial vehicles passing through on a daily basis.

The opening of a second Kempston Truck Stop in Epping, Cape Town, followed in late 1994 with both operating in tandem with Engen. The number of vehicles passing through its forecourt is in excess of 3 570 per month and the Truck Stop is able to accommodate up to 14 trucks per night. To eradicate human error and fraud, the stop’s operating systems are also now fully computerised.

Driver fatigue presents a serious problem and Kempston Truck Stops offer truckers the use of a variety of amenities in a safe environment with 24 hour security. They are able to enjoy a restful night with the knowledge that their vehicles and loads are secure.

Drivers have the use of clean ablution, shower and clothes washing facilities, braai areas and a take-away shop serving healthy, traditional meals. Television and several recreational facilities are also on site with Truck Stop staffers ensuring that all amenities remain clean and hygienic 24/7.

Engen’s Dynamic Diesel is available around the clock, 365 days a year with E-fuel and EDC facilities available.

Added value comes in the form of the on-site Roadside Wellness Clinics with a qualified nursing sister and peer educator in attendance from 17h00 to 23h00 each evening. These clinics promote Kempston’s ongoing HIV/Aids awareness campaign and truckers can readily be tested for sexually transmitted infections and have their general medical needs attended to. An educational initiative has recently been implemented and drivers visiting the clinics are now issued with toiletry bags containing personal toiletries as well as educational items relating to AIDS.

What sets Kempston Truck Stops apart from similar operations is that their management is in the hands of individuals with extensive experience in the road freight sector. They have a hands on approach to drivers’ needs as well as those of the vehicles’ owners or operators.

The Kempston Group plans to embark on a major expansion programme with Kempston Truck Stops envisaged in all major cities throughout South Africa.