The KwaZulu-Natal Transport Department is gearing up for a high-impact road safety campaign as traffic volumes are predicted to exceed 1,500 vehicles per hour at tollgates across the province from next Thursday, the eve of Good Friday. This surge in traffic signals a critical period for law enforcement, with officials aiming to keep the roads safe during this notoriously busy holiday.
In a bid to mitigate the risks associated with increased road usage, the provincial government will deploy over 800 law enforcement officers strategically placed in areas deemed hazardous and in secondary cities that attract numerous visitors over the holiday period. The initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that families can travel safely this Easter weekend.
Transport spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya confirmed the targeted approach. “We are focusing on areas with high accident rates as well as locations like Richards Bay, Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Port Shepstone. For instance, Richards Bay will have 30 law enforcement officers while Durban will see an enhanced presence with 40, with 20 officers in Pietermaritzburg and another 30 in Port Shepstone,” he said.
This year’s campaign comes with a resolute stance against driving under the influence, a significant contributor to road incidents during holiday seasons. “The MEC has indicated that law enforcement officers must show no mercy. We are committed to collaborating closely with the National Prosecuting Authority to ensure that any motorist caught driving under the influence faces severe consequences, including a potential six-year prison sentence,” Sibiya stressed. “There can be no negotiation with a drunkard.”
The KwaZulu-Natal Transport Department’s proactive measures highlight a growing awareness of the dangers present during peak travel times. Officials are urging all road users to adhere strictly to traffic regulations and to remain vigilant.