The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) expressed concern over the number of pedestrian lives that were claimed on Gauteng roads during the festive season.

The Corporation revealed that 243 deaths due to accidents were recorded so far and 123 of them were pedestrians.

STOP RISKING LIVES

RTMC Spokesperson Simon Zwane said walking on the streets while under the influence and jaywalking contributed majorly to the horrific accidents.

?People shouldn't come onto freeways or walk on the roads when drunk. I don't know how you completely eliminate that," said Zwane.

Zwane urged motorists to avoid using the roads while under the influence of alcohol, as this can lead to reckless behaviour and road fatalities.

?Speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, as well as reckless and negligent driving are also factors to be looked at. The recent wet weather conditions also pose dangerous driving conditions for road users,? he said.

LAW ENFORCEMENT VISIBLE

Meanwhile Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson Sello Maremane said traffic police would not tolerate lawlessness.

He added that as holiday makers will be travelling back to their various destinations, traffic officers and other law enforcement will be on the roads to ensure compliance. 

"We urge road users to adhere to the rules of the road because Gauteng Traffic Police officers and the province's crime prevention wardens will be deployed throughout Gauteng to monitor compliance and criminal activities," he said.