Plans to manage traffic at the Lebombo Border Post are being implemented.

These include converting the designated truck holding facility, known as KM7, into a ‘one-stop shop’ that can handle about 2 800 trucks per day without drivers having to leave their vehicles.

This set-up is expected to be operational in a few weeks, pending system compatibility upgrades.

This was announced by the minister of transport, Barbara Creecy, during the South Africa-Mozambique Cross-Border Road Safety Activation campaign at the border post with her Mozambican counterpart, João Matlombe, on Saturday.

Matlombe said there are upgrades to the Ressano Garcia Border KM4 systems and infrastructure to facilitate the improved flow.

The major focus of the campaign was to work towards reducing the long waiting times for trucks, which are currently result in economic loss and driver fatigue, from 22 hours to five hours.

ALSO READ: Unforgettable adventures await you in Hazyview this December

Creecy said the Lebombo and Ressano Garcia borders serve as principal crossings between the neighbouring countries, facilitating the movement of passengers and freight along the N4 corridor.

She added that law enforcement will be strengthened during the festive season to address drunk driving, criminal activity, use of fraudulent identity documents and illegal border crossings.

Creecy and Matlombe were joined by the Border Management Authority’s commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, the Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, and the MEC of public works, roads and transport, Thulasizwe Thomo.

ALSO READ: Hazyview law enforcement is on full alert for the festive season

Macie urged motorists to obey road rules, avoid drinking and driving, and adjust to prevailing weather conditions.

“Vehicle owners must ensure their cars are roadworthy and all defects are corrected before travelling. Traffic law enforcement will be intensified this festive season, with collaboration between the province, municipalities and the police,” Macie said. “Law enforcers will have zero-tolerance for drunk driving, excessive speeding, overloading and vehicles that are not roadworthy. Vehicles without registration plates will be impounded.”