As the festive season approaches, increased traffic volumes are expected on the N3 route.

According to the N3 Toll Concession (N3TC), the company managing the N3 toll route, traffic volumes are expected to rise significantly between December 13 and 15, and from December 20 to 23.

High volumes in both the south and northbound directions may also be expected on Friday, December 27.

When holidaymakers begin their return journeys northbound traffic volumes (towards Gauteng) are expected to increase from Wednesday, January 1, and continue over the weekend of January 3 to 5.

To minimise congestion and ensure a smooth journey, N3TC recommends travelling outside of peak periods. Additionally, all toll plaza lanes will be open during peak traffic periods, but road users are warned to expect delays.

Thania Dhoogra, CEO of N3TC, says toll plazas will operate at full capacity and lanes will be open during peak traffic periods.

Tap and go replaces swipe cards at toll plazas

Road users are also reminded that magstripe (swipe) credit cards no longer work as a payment option at any of the toll plazas on the N3 Toll Route.

“Instead, tap-enabled credit and debit cards, smart devices, tags, cash, and fleet cards will be accepted,” says Dhoogra.

To ensure road safety, Dhoogra says multi-disciplinary teams from the road incident management system (RIMS) will be on high alert.

Road users can expect highly visible law enforcement, including roadblocks and traffic checkpoints. Emergency medical and advanced life support services will also be on standby.

Driver negligence tops crash causes

A staggering 56% of crashes recorded on the N3 route between January and October were caused by drivers losing control of their vehicles, highlighting a disturbing trend of lawlessness on South Africa’s roads.

According to data from the N3TC, the majority of these crashes (84%) occurred in clear weather conditions, ruling out environmental factors as a contributing cause.

This pattern was also observed during last year’s peak festive season, where 59% of crashes were attributed to drivers losing control of their vehicles.

Head-tail collisions, involving either moving or stationary vehicles, accounted for 14% of the crashes.

“From the analysis of our crash data, it seems that ill-discipline remains rampant amongst drivers.

“Human factors, such as driver negligence, reckless behaviour, and poor decision-making, contributed to 75% of light motor vehicle crashes and 81% of truck crashes recorded during the first ten months of this year,” said Dhoogra.

N3TC appeals to all road users to drive responsibly, obey traffic laws, and respect fellow road users.

For real-time traffic updates, follow @N3Route on X. In emergencies, contact the 24-hour N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57.