No nonsense tolerated on Lowveld roads this Easter

Local authorities have issued both words of caution and warning to motorists travelling Mpumalanga’s roads this Easter weekend, as the amount of traffic is expected to increase exponentially over the next few days.

With the busy roads, local law enforcement has also promised a no-nonsense approach to drunk driving and negligent driving with the spokesperson for the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Moeti Mmusi, stating that those arrested for drunk driving over the Easter period will only make their first court appearance on Tuesday April 2.

This is to ensure a reduction in vehicle crashes and road fatalities over Easter. Last year’s Easter period saw a reduction in crashes and road fatalities from 2022, and this year, the hope is that there will be no fatalities at all.

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Lowvelders can expect the roads to be at their busiest along the N4 route, especially between Gauteng and Mpumalanga and Maputo today, March 28 at about 11:00 to 20:00, then on Friday March 29 from 08:00 to 14:00 and on Monday April 1 from 09:00 to 17:00. This is according to N4 TRAC’s spokesperson, Solange Soares, who also called on road users to obey all safety regulations and be mindful of fellow road users.

“Disregarding road rules can have dire consequences, including serious injury and death. We also appeal to all motorists along the roads to be responsible and law-abiding,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mmusi said the department will be cracking down on drunk and negligent driving in an effort to reduce road fatalities and crashes. He said the department would be working closely with other stakeholders such as the police and traffic officers, and that it has identified roads that will be monitored based on high accident rates from previous years.

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“We will have roadblock patrols and law enforcements on these roads we identified, and will target drunk and negligent driving as well as people with vehicles that are not roadworthy,” he said.

As for the Lebombo Border, where a high volume of traffic is expected, Mmusi said the department will ensure there is no congestion by deploying officers.
Major General David Chilembe, deputy commissioner of operations for the Border Management Authority (BMA), said the BMA is ready and prepared for Easter.

“We are expecting a lot of traffic, hence we have provided extra personnel for each port and have extended the operational hours in those ports that are not operating on a 24-hour basis. Travellers should travel as early as possible and ensure their passports are valid.”

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Soares said TRAC will boost its efforts to accommodate the influx of traffic between the two countries and three provinces during this weekend, and that its patrol units will also be on full alert throughout this period, conducting multiple daily patrols to remain proactive in keeping the road safe and clear for all road users.

She added that to accommodate the flow of traffic, all roadworks will be suspended for the long weekend, however, construction sites will still be deemed active. Traffic accommodation, where there will only be one lane per direction, will be in effect between Malalane and the Malelane Kruger Gate/TSB turn-off to accommodate roadworks in these areas. Road users are urged to be cautious and observe related signage when travelling through these road construction areas.

“Road users needing roadside assistance on the route are urged to call the TRAC 24-hour Helpdesk in South Africa on 0800 87 22 64 (toll-free) or 082 881 4444 and in Mozambique on 800 9022,” Soares said.