It is the holiday season and many people have started hitting the road travelling to enjoy the holiday season with loved ones. The Gauteng Traffic Police is concerned by the number of accidents recorded since the beginning of the festive season. They have called upon drivers, particularly public transport operators to prioritize the safety of road users during this time of the year.?
INCREASING ENFORCEMENT?
Gauteng Traffic Police Spokesman Sello Maremane explains that they have embarked on various law enforcement operations in the province, namely, Pedestrian operations, Drunken driving operations, Visible patrolling, K78 roadblocks, Driver and Vehicle fitness operations, Speed law enforcement operations, Reckless and Negligent driving operations and Incident management amongst others. “Traffic volumes are expected to increase on Gauteng major roads as more people are expected to travel to various destinations to spend time with their families this festive season," Maremane says. He adds that their observation is that a lot of accidents occur as a result of non-compliance with the rules of the road. “Gauteng Traffic Police call upon drivers especially public transport operators to exercise caution by obeying the rules and regulations of the road during this heightened festive season period.” Maremane also says that the Gauteng Traffic Police will also patrol freeways as part of visible policing to ensure that there is no jaywalking and that drivers adhere to the prescribed speed limits. Alcohol traders should also be aware. “Taverns, shebeens, and other liquor-selling places will also be monitored closely to ensure that drunk drivers are removed from our public roads. There will be no room for lawlessness during the festive season,” he added.
WORD FROM THE MEC OF COMMUNITY SAFETY
Meanwhile the MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko has urged motorists to be extra cautious as they transport people to different destinations during this festive season. She says that drivers who will be traveling long distances should take a break when they feel fatigued. Mazibuko joins the National Taxi Alliance Festive Season #Ndlelantle Road Safety Campaign on the N1 North Carousel Offramp. "The campaign is targeting minibus taxis transporting passengers to various destinations to encourage them to adhere to road rules and arrive alive. Drivers must make sure that they have proper documents and ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy," she concludes.
