The Gauteng Traffic Police urged motorists to save lives by adhering to the rules of the road and exercising extreme caution as many people are expected to return to their working environments.

According to Sello Maremane, Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson, many major roads are expected to be heavily congested as holidaymakers are also expected to return to the province.

The following roads are expected to be very busy:

• The N1 freeway from Polokwane to Pretoria
• The N1 freeway from Bloemfontein to Johannesburg
• The N4 freeway from Emalahleni to Pretoria
• The N4 freeway from Rustenburg to Pretoria
• The N3 freeway from Durban to Johannesburg
• The N12 freeway from Potchefstroom to Johannesburg

Maremane said in general, many major routes leading into Gauteng are expected to be very busy in the next few days.

Road users are advised to adhere to the prescribed speed limits and ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on these long-distance trips. We plead with them to rest every two hours to avoid fatigue.

“Pedestrians are also urged to cross the roads only when it is safe to do so and avoid jaywalking at all costs. The Gauteng Traffic Police warn pedestrians against urging drivers, particularly public transport operators to exceed the prescribed general speed limit on the pretext that they do not want to arrive late at their destinations.”

The Gauteng Traffic Police urge road users to comply with the rules and regulations of the road.

“Many road fatalities the province has experienced this festive season have been attributed to excessive speeding, unsafe overtaking, reckless and/ or negligent driving, as well as driving under the influence of alcohol. The Gauteng Traffic Police would like to urge motorists to obey the rules of the road in order to save lives.”

The Gauteng Traffic Police have also noted a trend whereby road users delay their trips, opting to drive late during the day and trying to avoid the 9pm curfew.

The Gauteng Traffic Police have observed that the high proportion of fatal crashes including pedestrian crashes occur during night time, despite traffic volumes being lower during the time. We would like to warn these road users that the Gauteng Traffic Police will be on high alert and anyone driving after the 9pm curfew will be arrested on the spot,” added Maremane.

The Gauteng Traffic Police appeal to road users to adhere to the Covid-19 health protocols which include wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and sanitizing or washing hands regularly. The Gauteng Traffic Police will continue to enforce compliance with road safety rules and Covid-19 regulations.