Traffic officers in Mpumalanga will focus on errant driving this Easter

This Easter holiday will see an intense focus on traffic violations.

According to a media statement of April 7 from the MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe, violations include reckless driving, overtaking dangerously and on barrier lanes, excessive speeding and inconsiderate driving.

The MEC said these violations have contributed immensely to most of the crashes the province experienced during the previous festive season and last year’s Easter holidays.

He added that other offences will also receive the attention of law enforcement officers.

Shongwe indicated that such offences will be addressed through block patrols, roadblocks and operations.

As part of dealing with the fatigue of long-distance drivers, the department will also stage Rest Stops on identified roads in the province.

He mentioned that the Easter Festive Season Programme will begin earlier and it will be all hands on deck as role players in the security cluster will play their part.

The plan is expected to be unveiled next week during a launch on one of the problematic national roads in the province.

Shongwe appealed to motorists to use the road cautiously to avoid crashes, something associated with holiday seasons.

“Based on the causes of most crashes, it is clear that most could have been avoided, had greater care been taken by road users,” the statement read.

“We are, therefore, appealing to motorists to play their part by obeying the rules and driving diligently during these holidays and beyond.

“Our traffic officers have been mandated to bring errant drivers to book to reign on reckless driving and also prevent crashes.”