AS holidaymakers head back home, the Road Traffic Management Corporation says some have been left stranded due to a shortage in taxis. However, the RTMC warns that taxi drivers should not use this as an excuse to break road traffic laws.
“Traffic will reach Gauteng now in the afternoon. On the basic routes we have deployed adequate numbers of traffic officials to patrol the roads and ensure they can identify moving violations and deal with those under the influence of alcohol. If we all took responsibility and treated each other with respect on the roads, we would see a change.We will do whatever it takes to prevent an increase of road deaths countrywide.” a spokesperson for the RTMC said.
Motorists are advised to be extra cautious on the N3 highway due to traffic congestion. More than 2000 cars have been recorded passing through toll gates in a northerly direction per hour, as holiday makers leave KwaZulu-Natal coastal resorts.
Although the roads are busy, RTMC said traffic was manageable as the number of holidaymakers making their way back to Gauteng this year has been split over two weekends.
More than 8 000 arrests were made on the roads nationwide this festive season, according to RTMC. The arrests stemmed from an array of traffic violations and criminal behavior across the country including drunken driving, reckless driving, speeding and overloading.
KwaZulu-Natal is ranked as having had one of the highest numbers of accidents in the country during the festive season. With many returning to work this week, traffic is expected to increase in the next few days.
