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SA: Statement by the Department of Transport, on Easter weekend traffic safety campaigns (16/04/2014)

SA: Statement by the Department of Transport, on Easter weekend traffic safety campaigns (16/04/2014)

16th April 2014

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Transport Minister Ms. Dipuo Peters is appealing to road users, motorists and pedestrians alike, not to let the guard down this Easter weekend with regard to road safety.

The Minister says all road users need to act with caution and vigilance at all times as many people embark on long-distance journeys to various destinations.

Traffic volumes on the country's major routes are expected to rise and therefore increase possibilities of road traffic crashes.

"Last week we launched our Easter long weekend campaign in Kimberly, urging every citizen to take personal responsibility for what happens on the road. As government we will continue to enforce the rules of the road without exception. Please play your part," says Minister Peters.

Traffic law enforcement officers will be deployed in all the major routes including N1, N2, N3 and N4, among others. There will be increased visibility of marked traffic police vehicles from all spheres of government. Traffic officers will be working in cooperation with the SAPS in manning joint road side inspections (road blocks) to ensure that only roadworthy vehicles and legally licensed drivers are using our roads.

"I have instructed traffic police to spare no effort in ridding our roads of people who pose a danger to other road users. This includes people driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, people driving at break-neck speeds, unlicensed or fraudulently licensed drivers, unroadworthy and overloaded vehicles, etc. Traffic police have also been instructed to stop every public transport vehicle and they must show no reluctance in discontinuing vehicles that do not meet the necessary safety standards," says Minister Peters.

The Minister says in partnership with the Limpopo provincial government, there will be a specialized traffic police outfit named "The N1 Traffic Brigade". It's primary task would be to monitor traffic flow on the N1 from Pretoria to Beitbridge on the border of Zimbabwe. The approximately 460km long route is popular for high traffic volumes particularly buses ferrying people to Zion City Moria outside Polokwane for the annual Easter pilgrimage. The route is also used by buses and minibus taxis transporting people from Gauteng to Zimbabwe.

The Minister calls on public transport vehicle owners not to force their cars onto the road if they are not fit for journeys. She says fleet owners will be held liable if and when their unroadworthy vehicles are intercepted on the roads or are involved in crashes.

Minister Peters also appeals to passengers to be patient with law enforcement operations as these are carried out in their best interests. She has also called on pedestrians to exercise great caution and only walk in designated pedestrian areas. The Minister has also cautioned against drinking and walking as at least 40% of road fatalities involve pedestrians.

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