Traffic is slowly increasing as many holidaymakers are heading towards their destinations.
Their joy however is stopped in their tracks as they have to sit in a heavily congested N4 highway for hours while law enforcement units are conducting a roadblock.
Frustration is put in first gear and emotions are revving it up as cars all try to get into a single lane from four lanes where the N4 and N12 highways merge.
The traffic is backed up for kilometres as four lanes are squeezed into a single lane on the N4 highway.
The way this roadblock is set up by senior management from both SAPS and the traffic department leaves much to debate about.
The roadblock is a joint operation involving all security agencies and relevant stakeholders, informed by the Safer Festive Season Operation which was recently launched by the Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane on November 14 at Kwamhlanga.
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The campaign, which will run throughout the Festive Season, will be characterized by a number of operations which includes rest stops, road safety awareness campaigns, road blocks and patrols aimed at reducing crashes that often results in injury or death. Law enforcement’s visibility will also be heightened on various roads coming in and out of the province and all role players are expected to work together for maximum impact and optimum utilization of resources.
Law enforcement officers do not tolerate any kind of traffic violations. Motorists are once again urged not to drink and drive.
No mercy is shown when you get into the roadblock and you are suspected of drinking and driving.
Two drivers were arrested and taken for blood tests on December 10 after they have been pulled off and allegedly reeking of alcohol.
Two suspected stolen vehicles were also found.
Combined in both directions there were an average of 1 000 vehicles per hour going through the Middelburg Toll Plaza on Monday, December 12.
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