Pretoria – More than 250 motorists have been arrested since the beginning of the long Easter weekend last Thursday for various traffic violations, says Transport Minister, Sibusiso Ndebele, who has urged road users to exercise caution on busy roads.
“From Thursday, 21 April until Sunday, April 24, thousands of motorists were fined for various traffic violations with more than 250 arrested for offences including drink and driving, reckless or negligent driving as well as possessing invalid or false public transport documentation,” he said.
Ndebele said particular attention was given to vehicle roadworthiness, public passenger transport vehicles, speeds too high for circumstances, driving under the influence of alcohol and moving violations.
Law enforcement officers had also been instructed to make sure that those who commit any offence face the consequences of their actions.
As part of the Arrive Alive-Make Roads Safe campaign, Ndebele said law enforcement officers would continue to be out in full force in accordance with the National Rolling Enforcement Plan (NREP).
High traffic volumes are still anticipated across the country, particularly the N1 South from Polokwane to Pretoria, the N4 West from Nelspruit to Pretoria as well as the N3 from Durban to Johannesburg.
Roads are also expected to be busy on Wednesday, 27 April as well as during the coming long weekend from 29 April to 2 May, due to Freedom Day and Workers Day.
According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), preliminary figures indicate more than 100 people were killed in road crashes over the Easter weekend between 22 to 24 Apri).
“We call upon all road users to obey all road rules and exercise caution and patience on the roads. Motorists are also urged to drive with their headlights on at all times and to take regular breaks. Pedestrians must ensure that they are visible in the dark, do not drink and walk, jaywalk or walk on freeways. Road crashes and road deaths are preventable. Together, we can put an end to the unnecessary loss of lives on our roads,” said Ndebele. – Nthambeleni Gabara, BuaNews
