-
Traffic volumes on major roads.
Traffic has peaked on major routes as last minute travellers head to their various destinations ahead of Christmas Day.
Law enforcement authorities have appealed to motorists to obey the rules of the road or face arrest.
Traffic is building on major routes as last minute travellers leave Gauteng and head to their respective holiday destinations.
Many could not contain their excitement to finally celebrate with loved ones.
“I am so excited because I haven’t been home in a while. I’m going to Mount Frere, I’m looking forward to the journey today and I will be coming back in two weeks’ [time].”
“I haven’t seen my mom in a long time and I’m looking forward to it. I’ve [been] this side for quiet some time … for about six months now. I’m really looking forward to being with my family.”
Long distance travellers hope they make it in time for Christmas.
“At the moment I’m not going home yet, I’m still going to Kokstad and then proceed to Empangeni. I’m so happy because I haven’t seen my family in a long time.”
The Gauteng Traffic Police have advised motorists and pedestrians to be cautious on the roads.
Spokesperson Obed Sibasa says law enforcement authorities have been beefed up to enforce safety measures and improve passenger safety.
“We have got what we call three factors that contribute to crashes. First one is the road, secondly is the vehicle which accounts for 10% to 20%. However, the human factor is our biggest challenge. People go out and drink alcohol and use the road, people also drive at excessive speed at 200 kilometers per hour. It is given that should anything [happen] you are going to be killing other innocent road users,” explains Sibasa.
In Limpopo – law enforcement agencies say they will increase their presence and operations.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba says, “Let me say that as the police from Limpopo, we are ready to ensure that our holiday makers, our residents as well as the business community, are safe during this festive season period. We have got an operational plan that we have put in place through the official joint structure and taking proof of the night joint structure.”
“So, all the law enforcement agencies, the multidisciplinary forces, are on board to ensure that we create a safer environment for all road user, especially along our busy road. As you can see that already, we are on the N1 road.”
“We are ensuring that we enhance police visibility. As such, there is robust police issue. You will see a lot of men and women in group painting the N1 as you will have noticed, we have deployed our specialized units, our highway patrol, [and] our water wing unit. Because you know that this [road is] very busy … we are ensuring that all safety elements are linked into account.”
Security at taxi ranks has also been improved.
Wanderers Taxi rank crime inspector, Christopher Ngobeni says, “What I can say is that this time of the year, people are drinking too much, and they lose their luggage. Our appeal to each and every one who is taking a long distance [trip] to make sure that they refrain from drinking whilst they are on the way.”
“Because we have got so many lost luggage in the office, and we don’t have any space anymore, mainly young cars. When they are drunk, they forget.”
SANTACO had advised commuters and vehicle owners to use trailers for luggage so that it can be easier to escape in the event of an accident.
Spokesperson Rebecca Phala says, “They need to travel as light as possible so that we avoid a situation where people are sitting in a minibus, they cannot even see outside, they can’t sit comfortably because there are too many bags.”
“Vehicle owners have been encouraged to also make sure that if there is a need they must have trailers that they either hire or purchase. So, when the demand is too big, they load luggage in the trailers.”
Multi-disciplinary task teams have been deployed to all major routes to ensure a smooth and safe festive season for all.
