Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has called on motorists to adhere to road rules ahead of the Easter weekend during a safety inspection at the N1 Kranskop tollgate in Limpopo. She emphasised avoiding alcohol and drugs, obeying speed limits, and ensuring vehicles are roadworthy. Authorities reported heavy traffic on major highways as holiday travel begins.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy urged motorists to follow road rules and regulations ahead of the busy Easter weekend. Speaking on Thursday at the N1 Kranskop tollgate in Limpopo during the Easter road safety inspection campaign, she cautioned against drinking and driving.
“Please do not imbibe alcohol or take drugs before you drive. Obey the speed limits. Speed kills. Please travel at the speed limit so that you and your family arrive alive. Before you go on your journey, make sure your vehicle is roadworthy. In particular, check your tires,” Creecy said.
Heavy traffic was recorded on major highways. Gauteng Traffic Police reported over 2 080 vehicles per hour on the N1 between Pretoria and Polokwane at Pumulani Toll Plaza, and 1 100 vehicles per hour on the N3 Johannesburg to Durban at De Hoek Plaza in Heidelberg. More than 2 000 vehicles per hour were expected at Kranskop tollgate, with over 2 500 on the N1 as travellers head to Moria for Easter pilgrimages and neighbouring countries.
Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson Sello Maremane urged drivers to avoid unnecessary lane changing to prevent congestion. Creecy noted intensified law enforcement with national traffic officers deployed for visibility. Provinces like North West, Western Cape, and Free State announced enhanced road safety plans, including high visibility policing and roadblocks.