Plan your trip before you hit the roads this Easter weekend
High traffic volumes are expected on the N1 this Easter weekend as thousands make their way home and to various tourist destinations in the province
LIMPOPO – The Easter weekend will see high traffic volumes on the N1 between Gauteng and Musina via Polokwane and the R71 between Polokwane and Tzaneen.
In a statement, Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire Spokesperson, Solomon Kganyago says that although the annual Zion Christian pilgrimage may not go ahead due to the Covid-19 pandemic, busy conditions can still be expected along the N1 route.
“Between 2 000 and 2 400 vehicles per hour are expected to pass through Pumulani and Carousel toll plazas during peak periods over Easter weekend and road users are advised to plan their journeys in advance.”
Traffic volumes are expected to increase on the N1 northbound on Thursday, 1 April between 12:00 and 21:00. Traffic volumes are also likely to spike on Friday, 2 April, Tuesday, 7 April and Sunday, 2 May between 12:00 and 21:00.
Read more: [WATCH] Chaos erupts at the Carousel Toll Plaza
https://twitter.com/BakwenaN1N4/status/1377176369868591108
On the N1 southbound traffic is expected to pick up on Monday, 5 April, Tuesday, 7 April and Sunday, 2 May between 12:00 and 21:00.
Meanwhile, high traffic volumes are expected on the N1 between Pretoria and the Beitbridge border post via Polokwane.
Read more: 2021 Easter ‘Arrive Alive’ road safety campaign kicks off today
Transport MEC, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya says the department seeks to heighten visibility of law-enforcers on all the roads in a form of operations and speed cameras, with the main focus being on the N1 between Bela-Bela and Musina.
“The R71 between Polokwane and Tzaneen is another hotspot for accidents and it will also be given the necessary attention.”
She further called on road users to avoid unnecessary trips and to those who opt to travel, to comply with the road rules and do their part in reducing road fatalities this Easter.
“Speeding, reckless and drunk driving remain the main causes of road fatalities in the province. Road users are warned that our traffic officials will not have mercy and will arrest those who are guilty of not adhering to regulations,” she concluded.
Road users are advised to apply the following safety measures when travelling:
- Ensure your vehicle is road-worthy
- Ensure you get enough rest before your journey
- Do not drive if you’ve consumed alcohol/drugs
- Ensure you and your passengers are buckled up
- Stick to the speed limit
- Maintain a safe following distance of at least three seconds
- Do not stop in “no-stopping” zones
- Stop and take a break at least every two hours during your journey
- Use the info on the blue km board markers when reporting crashes or requesting assistance
