Stay off the road‚ KwaZulu-Natal motorists warned

24 July 2016 - 12:34 By Matthew Savides

As snow‚ sleet and rain feel throughout central KwaZulu-Natal‚ traffic and emergency services authorities warned motorists to stay off the road.

"With the increased possibility of snow‚ there is also a high likelihood that local residents and travellers may be snowed in as roads may have to be closed in the interest of safety‚" a joint statement from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and the N2 Toll Concession (N3TC) warned. "Motorists and transport operators are advised to avoid the area if possible."Snow fell over large parts of the Drakensberg and KZN Midlands on Saturday night and Sunday morning‚ and more heavy snowfalls are expected from Sunday afternoon until as late as Tuesday.Dave Steele‚ RTI station commander for the Ladysmith district‚ said: “Avoid travelling in hazardous conditions. Driving conditions may become dangerous as snow and black ice cause roads to become treacherous. In the event of this happening‚ roads could be closed in the interests of safety of road users and emergency and rescue teams."Staying off the route would also make it easier for emergency services to attend to any incidents‚ said Con Roux‚ N3TC commercial manager.“Emergency teams’ ability to address difficult situations and clear the route as quickly as possible depends heavily on the compliance of all road users. It is therefore recommended to limit travel along the N3 Toll Route and its feeder roads under these conditions and when the area is deemed inaccessible‚” he said.However‚ Roux said that if motorists had no option but to travel‚ they should be ready for the worst.“Conditions may change quickly‚ thus it is recommended to be well prepared. Pack extra blankets‚ food and refreshments in your vehicle in the event that you may be caught in a lengthy closure. People with medical conditions should ensure that they travel with sufficient medical supplies and medication. Also make additional provision for lengthy delays if you are travelling with babies and/or elderly people. Don’t take any risks‚ be ready for any eventuality and heed warnings‚” he said.-TMG Digital/Durban Newsroom..

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