LIMPOPO – More than 4 500 residents have signed a petition demanding urgent action to address the surge in road accidents along the R40 and R527.

The petition calls on authorities to improve law enforcement and expedite road repairs to curb reckless driving and prevent further fatalities.

The recent spike in accidents has claimed 16 lives in recent weeks, prompting Sanral to initiate repairs on the R527.

However, concerns remain about the lack of enforcement and infrastructure improvements on the R40.

Marie Helm, MPL and DA constituency head for Maruleng Municipality, confirmed that the petition has been submitted to the Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure (LDPWRI), the Limpopo Legislature’s Petition and Public Participation Committee, and the Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL).

“As of Tuesday, March 25, over 2 800 people highlighted the need for visible traffic policing, alcohol testing, enforcement of traffic laws, and expedited road works. The deteriorating state of the roads contributes significantly to accidents, and we need urgent intervention,” said Helm.

She further emphasised that reckless driving on the R40 has become a major concern, with common issues including vehicles, taxis, and mining trucks overtaking on blind rises, overtaking on solid lines, large mining trucks forming convoys that prevent smaller vehicles from overtaking safely, and unroadworthy vehicles on the road, speeding and driving under the influence.

Disregard for traffic signs, speed limits, and illegal parking on roadways. “The R40 is a vital route, and it is crucial that LDPWRI, in collaboration with the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, takes immediate steps to address these challenges,” Helm added.

With the Easter weekend approaching, she urged Sanral and RAL to accelerate roadworks to minimise accidents. Efforts to obtain a response from Luyanda Sithole regarding the petition and plans to enhance road safety were unsuccessful at the time of publication.