30.12.2025
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KZN police crack down on drunk driving

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  • Traffic on the road.

KwaZulu-Natal Transport authorities are on high alert as traffic volumes begin to increase on the province’s roads ahead of New Year’s Eve.

Authorities have issued a stern warning to motorists to respect traffic laws during this period, or risk spending the new year behind bars. They say drinking and driving and speeding remain their main concern as they prepare for a busy week on the roads.

KwaZulu-Natal’s roads are starting to get busy as the province gears up for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Traffic started to increase early on the N3 on Monday, with more than a thousand vehicles an hour recorded entering and leaving Durban at the Marianhill Toll Plaza, at midday.

The Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) says it expects to see a lot of movement on major routes over the next couple of days. But the concern is that not everyone uses the roads safely.

RTI spokesperson, Sindi Msimang, says they will be cracking down on those who show total disregard of traffic laws.

“Bad driver behaviour is still an issue. We are still facing a lot of drinking and driving that is still happening in the province. Over the weekend we had an arrest of over 100 drunken drivers. So, it just shows that people still need to be reminded of traffic laws and we urge motorists to obey traffic laws,” says Msimang.

Some road users chose to travel early to avoid traffic congestion as travelers rush to different destinations to ring, in the new year. However, motorists and passengers alike are worried about reckless driving on the province’s roads. They shared advice for those planning to get on the road this week.

“I just appeal to truck drivers to drive carefully because they sometimes want to overtake each other on the fast lane. Let’s be considerate when driving and also don’t drink and drive,” says a motorist.

“I’d like to urge my brothers to behave on the road. If someone has consumed alcohol they must just stay at home. They mustn’t get behind the wheel and cause problems on the road,” says a passenger.

A lot of drinking happens on New Year’s Eve and on the first day of the new year as people celebrate.

Msimang says they will maintain high visibility and conduct multi-agency road safety operations to enforce the law.

“We are not going to be static in one place. We are going to be concentrating on drinking and driving. We understand that people are going to be extremely happy crossing over to the new year, but they must do so responsibly because we are here and we do not play,” she adds.

For thousands of road users who are planning to be on the province’s roads, the message is clear: obey traffic laws to avoid starting the new year behind bars or facing a hefty fine.

Motorists are also urged to check the weather and be cautious when driving in the rain.

RELATED VIDEO| Festive Traffic | Motorists urged to prioritise road safety: Zanele Buthelezi reports
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