The MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, has announced high-density operations for the Easter long weekend, focusing on vehicle roadworthiness and driver fitness.

All primary and secondary routes will be prioritised, including the N4, N2, N11, N12, N17, R40, R38, R573, R568, R23 and R581. These routes have historically recorded high numbers of crashes and fatalities during previous holiday periods.

He said these routes will receive heightened attention and analysis, particularly during peak travel times.

The Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, together with its stakeholders, will maintain a visible presence through block patrols and stop-and-check operations throughout the weekend.

Rest stops will be provided for motorists travelling across the province. Traffic and safety enforcers will also engage pedestrians and motorists to raise awareness of road safety. In addition, alcohol-related enforcement operations will be intensified.

Furthermore, K78 roadblocks will be implemented on identified routes to target unroadworthy vehicles.

Macie urged motorists travelling during the long weekend to comply with traffic regulations and ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on their journeys.

“Let us all comply with the rules of the road, exercise tolerance towards fellow motorists, remain vigilant for pedestrians, and refrain from consuming intoxicating substances while driving. Motorists are further advised to adjust their driving to prevailing road conditions,” he said.

He also called on organisers of church pilgrimages to ensure that vehicles transporting congregants are roadworthy.

Macie added that traffic law enforcement officers will exercise zero tolerance towards traffic violations throughout the weekend and beyond.

Meanwhile, the MEC for public works, roads and transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, has called for heightened vigilance and responsibility within the public transport sector, with a strong focus on both operators and passengers.

Thomo urged all public transport operators to strictly adhere to road safety regulations by ensuring vehicles are roadworthy, drivers are properly licensed and fit to operate, and that loading limits are not exceeded.

“Overloading, speeding and reckless driving continue to pose serious risks to passenger safety and will not be tolerated,” he said.

To reinforce compliance, Thomo will join law enforcement operations led by the Transport Inspectorate across the province. These operations aim to enforce the National Land Transport Act, with a particular focus on public transport vehicles during this high-traffic period.

“Passenger safety must come first. We call on operators to act responsibly and on passengers to demand safe and lawful transport. Together, we can prevent unnecessary loss of life,” Thomo said.