As part of the Department of Community, Security and Liaison’s promise to increase policing on the N4 this festive season, a stop-and-search operation was held between Mbombela and Malalane near Karino this morning.

N4 ‘killer road’ to get more policing

“Operations like this are expected to assist with mitigating negative consequences of increased traffic volumes during the holiday season. Such include deadly crashes and injuries mostly due to human behaviour on the part of motorists,” said the department’s spokesman, Joseph Mabuza.

UPDATE: Here are the names of the victims who died on the N4

“Most of the light delivery vehicles and some SUVs stopped today were displaying LED lights which are hazardous to other drivers at night,” Mabuza said.

They were ordered to remove those lights because as it is not only illegal, but downright dangerous. “Eight such vehicles were issued with summons for the lights,” added Mabuza.

The illegality of LED lights explained

He added that fatigue and driver fitness were other issues dealt with. The MEC of the department, Pat Ngomane who participated in the stop-and-search operation, further encouraged the traffic officers to continue working hard in order to ensure safety of all road users.

Ngomane believes that to have a crash-free holiday season is possible and it can happen with increased cooperation from all road users.

He encouraged visitors from other provinces to to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy. He also appealed to them to obey traffic rules.

Stern warning issued: No LED lights allowed