Heightened visibility of traffic officials has already started as the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety gears up for a busy Easter weekend.

The department’s Transport Regulation Team has already started with pre-Easter traffic law enforcement roadblocks and speed operations on critical roads across the province to curb infringements and encourage good driver behaviour.

Provincial Transport spokesperson Tidimalo Chuene says the department is sufficiently braced for high traffic volumes expected in the province over the next few days.

“Law enforcement officers will be working around the clock between Thursday and Monday to maximize visibility and aid the flow of traffic, especially on critical routes prone to congestion,” she adds.

These include the N1 especially around tollgates, the R101, R510, R516, N11, R37, R555, R521, R524, R523, R36, R40, R71, R81 and P277/1, the Matlala Road, local routes and the two border posts in the province, Beitbridge and Groblersbrug.

Traffic on the R71 is also expected to increase as the ZCC St Engenas branch goes ahead with its annual pilgrimage.

The Transport and Community Safety MEC, Florence Radzilani, calls on all road users to ensure everyone’s safety over the long weekend.

Radzilani also urges law enforcement officials to continue to conduct their work with diligence and ensure that road users follow the rules and that those who engage in criminal activities are brought to book.

“As we approach the Easter long weekend, it is our wish as provincial government to arrive alive. However, road safety starts with all of us. As we embark on our journeys, let us make sure that our cars are roadworthy, we keep a safe following distance, we do not overtake at unsafe places, we do not drink and drive, and we rest enough on long journeys. Pedestrians, must wear visible colours at night, and keep away from the road,” she says.