Motorists and hitchhikers ignore laws
Motorists using R35 should be cautious when they exit the road.
BETHAL – Many motorists and hitchhikers often violate several road acts on the R35 road to Middelburg.
Vehicles stop illegally to pick up hitchhikers which causes traffic conjunction in the left lane exiting Bethal.
Road signs prohibiting illegal stops and disallowing hitchhiking have been broken down or hidden behind lampposts along the road.
The Echo and Ridge Times investigated the matter and soon found that vehicles who pick up hitchhikers even neglect using their indicators in doing so.
Motorists using this road should be cautious when they exit this road.
Peak times when motorists pick up hitchhikers are early in the mornings and late afternoons.
Mr Henry Masango, head of marketing and communications for the Govan Mbeki Municipality, was asked whether traffic officers who are frequently seen in the area have the authority to address this problem and if so, why they do not act.
He said: “Law enforcement is being done where there is an infringement.
“The illegal stops on the R35 Road to Middelburg will be under the radar of the traffic section to monitor compliance by motorists.”
