POLOKWANE – Motorists can expect increased traffic on major routes across Limpopo from tomorrow as the school holidays coincide with the St Engenas Zion Christian Church (ZCC) annual pilgrimage at Moria and the Phalaphala FM Royal Heritage Festival in Vhembe.

The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety expects traffic volumes to increase from Thursday through to Monday.

Moria expected to be fully open to pilgrims

According to the Joint Operation Command, Moria is expected to be fully open to pilgrims, with a large influx of private vehicles, minibuses and buses anticipated on Thursday and Friday. Buses are expected to leave the site on Monday morning.

MEC for Transport and Community Safety Nakedi Kekana urged road users to plan their journeys carefully and take regular breaks.

“We welcome all pilgrims and festival-goers to Limpopo. I urge every road user to exercise extreme caution, plan trips early and rest every two hours,” said Kekana.

Appeal to public transport operators

She also appealed to public transport operators not to:

• Overload vehicles
• Overcharge passengers
• Drive while fatigued

Operators have been urged to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and that they have valid licences and professional driving permits (PDPs).

Where officers will be deployed

Provincial Traffic, Saps and municipal traffic officers will be deployed along the N1, R101, N11, R71, R81, R524, R523 and P277/1, as well as roads leading to Moria and the Royal Heritage Festival.

Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and exercise caution, particularly on routes expected to carry increased traffic.