Traffic officials and law enforcement officers across the country are bracing for increased traffic volumes as South Africans prepare to enjoy the upcoming long Easter weekend.
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According to News24, traffic officials and transport departments throughout the country anticipate heavy traffic on the R61 between the Eastern and Western Capes.
Unathi Binqose, the spokesperson for the Eastern Cape transport department, said the department and officials would take a firm stance on drunk driving this year, with law enforcement officers already being instructed to take a zero-tolerance approach.
‘Alcohol abuse has been a factor in many of the crashes in the province over peak holiday periods,’ he said.
He added: ‘While there are religious celebrations at this time, many people also take the opportunity to have traditional ceremonies or sporting events, which are accompanied by alcohol.’
He also stated that emergency medical personnel would be on high alert in the event of an accident on the province’s roads.
Last year, 162 people were killed on South African roads during the Easter holiday. Twenty of those killed were from the Eastern Cape. With 34 road deaths, the Western Cape led the way, followed by Gauteng (24), Mpumalanga (23) and KwaZulu-Natal (21).
According to Western Cape Mobility MEC Ricardo Mackenzie, this time of year often brings a ‘considerable increase in traffic volumes,’ and the department must be ‘on high alert to avoid accidents.’
Law enforcement officials have warned motorists in all provinces to expect increased roadblocks, patrols, search and seizure operations and strategically deployed resources.
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