Johannesburg: The Gauteng Provincial Government is intensifying law enforcement on major routes in the province as traffic volumes increase ahead of Christmas and New Year’s Eve. This move comes in response to a rise in fatalities, with 137 people dead from 124 crashes in the first 21 days of December. Pedestrians accounted for 68 of these deaths, followed by 26 drivers and 28 passengers. Johannesburg recorded the highest number of fatalities at 38, with Tshwane and Ekurhuleni reporting 33 and 26 deaths, respectively.

According to South African Government News Agency, the Gauteng Department of Community Safety has increased law enforcement operations targeting public transport operators, such as taxis and buses, to address the alarming rate of fatalities. The department highlighted that overloading, a common practice among operators, poses significant risks to passengers and other road users. Overloading is deemed a criminal offense as it can lead to fatal crashes, especially during long-distance travel in the festive period.

The Gauteng Department of Community Safety and the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport are collaborating to implement the province’s road safety strategy. The provincial government has urged public transport operators to prioritize safety and comply with regulations, as high traffic volumes are anticipated with people traveling for festive celebrations and holidays.

Heavy traffic is expected on major routes including the N1 from Pretoria to Polokwane, N4 from Pretoria to Mpumalanga and Rustenburg, R573 from Pretoria to Mpumalanga, N12 from Johannesburg to Mpumalanga, N3 from Johannesburg to Durban, N1 from Johannesburg to Bloemfontein, and N12 from Johannesburg to Potchefstroom. Roadblocks on these routes have already led to over 44,000 fines, around 1,200 arrests for traffic violations, and the apprehension of 28 pedestrians.

The Gauteng Traffic Police, alongside other law enforcement agencies, will continue operations throughout the festive period and beyond to ensure road safety. The authorities are prepared to take decisive action against any public transport operators or motorists who fail to comply with road safety measures.