More than 180 motorists are scheduled to appear in court in various towns after they were caught in the payday crackdown on drunk driving this weekend.

The highest number of arrests were made in Brits where a total of 27 motorists were arrested.

The provincial traffic officers were out in full force following the launch of the national festive season road safety plan on Thursday. Highways and local roads were heavily patrolled in an effort to reduce crashes and deal with those who break the rules of the road.

Provincial authorities have pledged to maintain high visibility and a crack-down on lawlessness this festive season to improve the safety of road users.

Information from previous collisions has been carefully analyzed to guide officers on the areas they should focus on, the days of the week on which crashes are likely to occur and factors contributing to fatalities.

As a result of this analysis it has been decided to maintain police visibility 24 hours a day seven days and to focus law enforcement in residential areas to curb pedestrian deaths, drunk driving and speeding.

Mobile vehicle testing equipment has also been deployed in provinces to curb the use of un-roadworthy vehicles. Rural provinces such as the Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga will also focus on the management of stray animals to reduce collisions.

Motorists, pedestrians and passengers are reminded that they have a responsibility to help reduce fatalities on the roads. All passengers should use safety belts at times when travelling in motor vehicles.

Pedestrians should always be alert, use pavements and cross the roads in designated areas. They should avoid the use of cellphones while walking on busy roads and avoid walking long distances while under the influence of alcohol.

Issued by The Road Traffic Management Corporation