Traffic volumes have increased on the N-3 in KwaZulu-Natal as motorists started to head home from Durban and other coastal areas.
At its peak, over 1 500 vehicles per hour were recorded passing through the Mariannhill toll plaza at Pinetown from between 8 o’clock and 12 midday on Saturday.
The N3 Toll Concession also says that traffic from the province heading inland has been increasing since New Year’s Day, with a peak of 1-thousand 800 vehicles per hour recorded on Friday.
Holidaymakers have begun making their way back home after the festive season.
Long queues
There were long queues of cars at the Marriannhill toll plaza near Pinetown on Saturday.
The N3TC cautioned road users to remain patient and alert while behind the wheel as high traffic volumes were likely to result in traffic congestion and delays along the route.
The provincial Department of Transport says its traffic operations have been successful in arresting those who broke the law.
KZN Transport spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya says, “We can report that about 89 people were arrested for drinking and driving. We are hopeful that with the visibility of the road traffic inspectorate across the province, as well as the traffic officers from various municipalities, we will be able to maintain a slight decrease compared to last year’s statistics.”
Fatalities
There’s however concern about the high number of fatalities on the roads over the festive period.
This week alone 16 people lost their lives within twelve hours in three separate crashes in the province.
The only incident reported on Saturday (*today) was that of a bus which overturned at Ndwedwe, while ferrying members of the Nazareth Baptist church to a funeral, resulting in the death of one passenger and three critical injuries.
IPSS medical rescue team Samantha Meyrick explains, “On Saturday afternoon, IPSS medical rescue received calls for assistance from EMRS after a bus travelling on the P100 lost control. Sadly, one person lost their life, 3 people were in critical condition, 4 sustained moderate injuries and 50 suffered minor injuries. Patients were stabilised on the scene by paramedics from various services and were transported to appropriate facilities for further care. our condolences go out to the friends and family of the deceased.”
Police visibility
Motorists using Gauteng toll gates say they are happy to see police visibility on the roads as JMPD officials were conducting stop and search.
Traffic volumes are expected to increase on the roads from Sunday as most people make their way back to the city for work and school.
SABC News visited the Grasmere and De Hoek Toll Plazza and engaged with them on their way back to Gauteng.
