Road safety campaign launched near Standerton

Motorists were warned on December 16 to obey the rules during these holidays

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety Security and Liaison, Mr Vusi Shongwe, issued a statement, saying provincial traffic officers have stopped and checked about 47 000 vehicles in various roadblocks since the beginning of the festive season.

More than 22 000 heavy motor vehicles such as trucks also went through various weighbridges to ensure compliance.

About 186 summonses were issued to motorists who failed to produce valid driving licences when they were stopped, and about 480 drivers were also brought to book for operating vehicles with worn-out tyres.

Nearly 300 drivers were taken to task for not display valid number plates.

Other offences include failure to wear seatbelts, overtaking dangerously, windscreen defects, failure to produce valid cross-border permits for those who were travelling to other countries.

Mr Shongwe appealed to motorists to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before undertaking journeys.

He also appealed to public transport owners to ensure that long-distance drivers rest sufficiently along the way.

“Public transport owners must not prioritise profits over people’s lives,” he added.

“I have seen many long-distance drivers consuming energy drinks to stay alert and that is not sustainable.

“These people must rest because fatigue has played a hand in some of the major crashes.”

He further encouraged law enforcement officers not to turn a blind eye to anyone breaking the law.

The MEC also applauded the increased cooperation and collaboration among all security agencies, saying this will play a major role in reducing crashes during and beyond the holiday season.

The Festive Season Road Safety Campaign was launched on the R23 Road near Standerton on December 9.