LEBOMBO – Thousands of holiday goers are making their way to the Lowveld and Mozambique.
Spokesperson for TRAC, Mr Nick Ingram, said that today is one of the peak days at
toll gates this year.
At 13:00, 1 045 vehicles per hour were counted at Middelburg Plaza, travelling in an
eastern direction. In a western direction, 822 vehicles were counted per hour.
Machado East Plaza had 551 vehicles passing per hour and Nkomazi Plaza, 450.
This heavy traffic flow is not expected to get any better before the New Year. Local authorities joint in
an operation to get vacationers at their destination as soon as possible. Road works on the N4 has been
suspended until traffic calms, to avoid further delays.
This weekend has been an improvement comparing to Friday, 20 December, where 1000 vehicles
passed through Machado East Plaza per hour.
Gauteng schools will open on January 15 and roads are expected to be very busy during this period.
Delays are expected due to high traffic flow and road blocks. Ingram advised drivers to avoid peak
times.
When you travel from South Africa to Mozambique, take note of the following:
• There will be a traffic control point at the Marloth Park turn off. Be patient and expect a approximate delay of 30 minutes.
• Taxis and buses, keep to the right lane. Proceed with the Coopersdal road and rejoin the N4 at the Strydomblok turn off and into the commercial facility for clearance.
• From the traffic control point at Marloth Park, private vehicles and trucks will be directed to proceed
straight on the N4 to the border post for clearance by border officials. Expect stops for control purposes before you reach the border.
• Private vehicles must keep to the right lane after passing the BP garage en-route to the border post. The left lane is reserved for trucks, convoys and official vehicles only.
• Note that no vehicles under escort to the border post will be allowed to turn or divert except for emergency. Ensure that vehicles have sufficient fuel before reaching KM 7 to ensure clearance of all passengers.
• Vehicles en-route to Komatipoort, Kruger National Park or Ngwenya Lodge are advised to
use the Tenbosch turn off.
Travelling from Mozambique to South-Africa:
• There will be three lanes of traffic towards the border and one lane in the opposite direction
• There will be seven stop areas, one next to Moambo which is for observation purposes only, one compulsory stop at KMS 10 and 14 and another one next to the cemetery in Ressano Garcia.
• Each control point will be manned by the police, customs and immigration officials
• The taxi rank will be transferred from its present location on the main road, to the soccer field inside Ressano Garcia
Minimal disruption is expected on the N4. TRAC nonetheless strongly urges all motorists to drive with care and patience.
Enquiries: Trac Helpdesk on 0800-87-22-64.
