Road safety operations intensified as long weekend comes to an end
Around 30 people were said to have been killed on the roads since the onset of the Easter weekend.
Road safety operations, by the Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP), were expected to be intensified as the Easter long weekend came to an end on Monday.
“The GTP with various traffic authorities will continue to conduct various road safety operations across the province in an effort to save the lives of road users as the Easter weekend comes to an end,” spokesperson Sello Maremane said.
“These activities are expected to assist in ensuring the reduction of road accidents.”
This as major routes and freeways leading to the province were expected to be congested with high traffic volumes as many return to resume with their economic activities on Tuesday.
Maremane noted that despite their efforts and those of other law-enforcement agencies across the province, several fatal crashes which resulted in the loss of many lives had been recorded since the commencement of the Easter weekend last week.
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Around 30 road users were said to have already lost their lives since the onset of the weekend, according to preliminary information available to the GTP.
He explained that most of the fatalities were a result of drunk driving, unsafe overtaking, driving at excessive speed, passenger overloading and pedestrians’ jay-walking on major freeways.
Maremane further said that driving under the influence of alcohol had significantly contributed to the rise in road fatalities, with more than 40 drivers arrested in Gauteng.
“Police will continue to be visible on Gauteng major freeways and patrolling will be intensified to ensure that road users comply with the rules of the road,” he said.
He urged drivers to be vigilant, patient and adhere to road safety rules and regulations.
On Thursday, the Tshwane metro police department launched their Easter road safety operations which were also intended to curb fatalities across the city at the Carousel toll plaza along the N1.
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