POLOKWANE – The Department of Transport has warned that anyone breaking traffic rules this festive season will be used as an example to send a strong message to other road users.

MEC Violet Mathye made the statement during the launch of the 2026 road safety festive campaign on Thursday at Solomondale.

The campaign, themed ‘It Starts with Me’, coincided with the unveiling of 53 new traffic vehicles aimed at increasing road visibility across the province.

“We will adopt a zero-tolerance approach for anyone treating our roads as racecourses. Road users who commit flagrant transgressions will not be shown mercy,” Mathye said.

Stephen Matjena, head of the department, added that traffic officers had undergone workshops on the importance of refusing bribes and reporting those who offer them.

“Turning a blind eye to a drunk driver or a taxi without a permit is like having blood on your hands,” he said.

The campaign focused on high-risk areas such as the R81, notorious for accidents during festive periods and the N1.

Mathye said that road safety is not only a government responsibility.

“Motorists must ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, observe speed limits, rest adequately and never drink and drive,” she said.

The MEC also encouraged road users to learn from recent successes, citing the Easter weekend when zero fatalities were recorded.

The department stressed that strict enforcement, awareness and responsible driving are key to keeping Limpopo’s roads safe this festive season.