Over 5 000 fines for various road offenses issued in Mpumalanga over Easter weekend
Law enforcement officers in Mpumalanga have embarked on zero-tolerance visibility campaigns on major routes since Thursday March 28.
The Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety Security and Liaison has announced that 5 248 drivers were issued with summonses for various offenses, 130 vehicles were discontinued, and 119 vehicles were impounded by the traffic officers since Thursday March 28.
Eight motorists were arrested for suspected drinking and driving.
The visible law enforcement officers stopped and checked over 40 000 vehicles on various roads and over 19 000 heavy motor vehicles went through weighbridges.
The Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Vusi Shongwe, encouraged law enforcement officers to continue to show zero-tolerance to errant drivers and to enforce the law without fear or favour.
“Traffic officers remain deployed at night to deal with the congestion at the Lebombo Border Post and other identified priority routes.”
He said high volumes of traffic are anticipated as the Easter holidays come to an end.
ALSO READ: Deputy commissioner visits Lebombo Border Post to assess readiness ahead of Easter holidays
“Many people were expected to travel on Sunday March 31 and Monday April 1. We urge those travelling long distances to rest sufficiently along the way. Fatigue is bad as it affects the quality of the decisions drivers make.”
“Drivers should take regular breaks. They must concentrate and remain on extreme alert. We urge them to rest every two hours or 200km. They should not rely too much on energy drinks but rest and alternate driving with fellow occupants where possible.
“Public transport operators who will be ferrying congregants after Easter church services must ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before departing. We must put the lives of passengers first, and not profits or number of loads,” he said.
ALSO READ: Party concerned about lack of construction on Driekoppies bridge after multiple budget allocations
Motorists are advised to be cautious of wet weather and misty conditions prevailing on various roads.
