Increased traffic on Limpopo roads as festive season gets into full swing

With the festive season in full swing and schools and most organisations closing for the holidays, the Limpopo transport and community safety department has issued a warning to road users of increased traffic volumes on major routes leading to and within the province in the coming days.

According to the department, this period will see a surge in traffic on the following major routes and critical roads in each district:

• Capricorn: N1, R101, R71, R81, R37, R518, R567, R521 and D19;
• Mopani: R71, R36, D548, R81, R578, D3854, R40 and R529;
• Sekhukhune: R579, R37, R25, D4100, N11, R36, R555 and R573;
• Vhembe: N1, R524, P98/1, D3712, P278/1, P277/1 and D3689; and
• Waterberg: N1, R101, R510, N11, R518, R33, R511, D1235 and R516.

Department spokesperson Tidimalo Chuene said since December 1 the department's law enforcement officers have stopped and checked 89,420 vehicles, arrested 54 drivers for drunken driving and weighed 21,688 vehicles. 

About 2,490 drivers were charged for speeding, with one driver arrested for travelling at 188km/h in a 120km/h zone on the N1 in the Waterberg district.

Chuene said 738 drivers were charged for overloading passengers and goods.

“These statistics demonstrate our zero-tolerance approach to traffic infringements and serve as a warning to those planning to travel in the coming days,” she said.

Chuene alerted drivers and commuters to the department's festive season road safety and traffic law enforcement plan. 

“This plan aims to reduce offences leading to crashes and promote safe road user behaviour through voluntary compliance with traffic regulations. The department has made significant strides in promoting road safety and combating traffic infringements through this plan.”

Motorists have been advised to plan their trips, allowing for regular breaks to avoid fatigue. 

“Vehicle occupants must wear seat belts. Drivers are urged to be patient and avoid reckless and negligent behaviour such as speeding, overtaking unsafely, drinking and driving, overloading passengers and goods, and using a hand-held mobile device while driving,” Chuene said.

“The safety of passengers in a vehicle relies heavily on the responsible behaviour of the driver, making it crucial for drivers to prioritise road safety and adhere to traffic regulations.”

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