Street seller nuisance

A typical scene as drivers are confronted by hawkers at the Veldenvlei robots

Richards Bay motorists are becoming increasingly annoyed at the proliferation of illegal street vendors. Operating without permits, they have mushroomed in number over the past month, confronting motorists at numerous intersections.‘They are a nuisance and a traffic hazard,’ said Bay resident, Sandy Camminga.‘I have contacted the authorities but had a very disinterested response on the other end of the line.‘Why should everyone else have to keep to the rules when these people operate at will?‘There are bylaws in place that govern such things and this is yet another indication of the slipping of standards in our city.’ The types of merchandise being sold - including sunglasses, hats, sports jerseys and flags - also appear to be fake items.