Police, traffic officials ready to serve, protect

As Limpopo is gearing for the busiest time of the year when millions of people are expected to flock to the province for the coming Easter weekend, the Department of Transport and Community Safety has indicated that more than 1 000 traffic officials will be deployed on the roads not only to ensure motorists’ safety but also to bring offenders to book.
Departmental Spokesperson Matome Moremi-Tauyatswala indicated that officers also agreed on working overtime to ensure 24 hours visibility on the roads. “We will have joint operations with the Police, Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), National Traffic Police and municipal traffic officers across the province focussing especially on drunken driving and overloading but motorists should also take note that we will not oversee any traffic offence during the Easter season,” he said.
Moremi-Tauyatswala said that traffic volumes are expected to increase by today (Thursday) from 16:00 through the night as Zion Christian Church (ZCC) pilgrims are making their way to Moria. He added that heavy traffic is expected on Sunday afternoon when most church goers will start making their why back home. Affected roads include the N1 North and South and especially the R71 linking Polokwane and Tzaneen as well as the Gilead road from Groblersbrug border post.
In her Easter message, Transport MEC Makoma Makhurupetje urged everyone travelling to obey the rules of the road. “Please remember – speed kills, do not drink and drive, buckle up, do not text and drive and rest when you are tired. Pedestrians should always walk and cross where it is safe to do so,” she advised.
She added: “We declare Limpopo a zero-tolerance zone to any person caught breaking the rules of the road. To our law enforcers – continue with your efforts to keep our road users safe.”
Provincial Police Corporate Communications Head Motlafela Mojapelo issued a similar warning not only to misbehaving motorists but to criminals as well.
He said that though Easter is a time to celebrate, criminals unfortunately also use this time to focus in on easy targets. “We have planned a number of operations across the province during the Easter weekend to ensure a safe environment for visitors to the province as well as those who remain at home. We will not only join traffic officials on the road but will also be deployed in strategic areas to ensure visibility at all times,” he said.

Story: RC Myburgh
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