The Easter holidays are here and people will be going off on their travels. However, the Road Traffic Management Corporation has warned transport operators to comply with regulations
Image: RTMC
As people make their way to their holiday destinations this Easter weekend, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and traffic authorities have reminded public transport operators to ensure that their vehicles and drivers are fit to be on the road and comply with all regulations.
“Public transport operators are advised to ensure that they have appropriate permits that allow them to transport passengers on particular routes. They are also urged to use trailers to load goods and avoid mixing them with passengers,” the RTMC said.
Illegal operators are also cautioned to desist from taking advantage of the increased demand for transportation as law enforcement authorities will be out in full force to ensure compliance with all road regulations.
“Authorities will not hesitate to impound vehicles operating contrary to the provisions of the National Transport Act. A total of 1 155 vehicles have been impounded since the start of the Easter campaign on March 20. This has compelled owners to pay thousands of rands to release the vehicles from the pounds and passengers were greatly inconvenienced,” the RTMC said.
“The highest number of vehicles were impounded in Mpumalanga where a total of 792 vehicles were taken off the road. This was followed by Limpopo with 88 vehicles impounded, Western Cape 87, Gauteng 78, North West 39, KwaZulu-Natal 37, Free State 31 and Eastern Cape 3. No vehicle has yet been impounded in the Northern Cape.”
Meanwhile, traffic volumes are expected to increase substantially on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning as travellers head to various places of worship and holiday destinations. Monday is also expected to have an increased traffic flow.
The following routes are expected to be busier than usual during this period and motorists are advised to plan their trips carefully to avoid delays: the N1 Gauteng to Limpopo, N1 Gauteng to Free State, N2 in KwaZulu-Natal to Eastern Cape, the N3 Gauteng to KwaZulu-Natal, N4 Gauteng to Mpumalanga, the N4 Gauteng to North West, R61 Western Cape to Eastern Cape as well as the N2 Western Cape to Eastern Cape.
Rest stops will be operating at Sasol filling stations along the routes to allow drivers to take a break from long-distance driving to avoid fatigue.
“Motorists are advised to check the weather forecast and avoid driving through storms and heavy rains when visibility is not clear. Vehicles must be fitted with properly functioning wipers to assist with visibility. Safety critical components such as brakes, tyres and lights must also be in a good working order before trips are undertaken. Pedestrians are called to play their part and avoid crossing busy roads,” the RTMC said.