(Archive photo)
The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) has warned those taking the long weekend to plan their journey with extra caution as heavy traffic is expected on the N3 this weekend. Apart from heavy traffic during peak hours, traffic congestion at toll gates can cause further delays on the road.
Peak traffic times on the N3 route are expected on Thursday between 15:00 and 18:00, Friday between 09:00 and 12:00, as well as Monday between 12:00 and 18:00. Heavy traffic is expected on Thursday and Friday especially in a southern direction and on Monday in a northern direction.
During peak times, traffic can increase by more than 2,500 vehicles per hour in the direction of KwaZulu-Natal and 3,500 vehicles per hour in the direction of Gauteng.
“If at all possible, motorists are advised to plan their journeys outside peak times. Also allow additional travel time for possible emergencies and delays,” says Thania Dhoogra, operations manager of N3TC.
Emergency and law enforcement services will be placed on standby from Thursday through Monday.
According to Dhoogra, satellite stations will be strategically set up along the N3 toll route this weekend, which will serve as a base for law enforcement, road traffic management and emergency services.
“These temporary road safety and law enforcement satellite stations allow for a quick response time to any emergencies that may arise along the route.”
Accidents due to human error
According to the N3TC’s accident statistics from 2022, most accidents occurred due to human error, either reckless or negligent driving, lack of concentration or exceeding the speed limit.
“In 2022, 77% of all light motor vehicle accidents on the N3 toll route were caused by human error, compared to 73% in 2021. In the same period, 85% of all truck accidents occurred due to human error. This is an increase of the 80% in truck accidents caused by human error in 2021.”
The total number of deaths due to accidents on the N3 toll route decreased by 19% in 2022. However, the overall number of accidents resulting in serious – often life-changing – injuries increased by 28%.
On a positive note, drivers appear to be more responsible during bad weather conditions, with just 17.5% of all crashes occurring during bad weather last year, compared to 22.2% of crashes in 2021.
Increasing truck traffic poses challenges
Trucks make up around 44% of all vehicles that travel daily on the N3 toll route, with an annual growth of between 8% and 10% in heavy vehicle traffic recorded over the past decade. This is mainly due to the transport of goods, especially bulk products, which are increasingly transported by road rather than by rail.
“Road users are warned not to expect a significant reduction in truck traffic during holiday periods and to allow for heavy vehicles which slow down on the roads and may contribute to general traffic congestion.”
In 2022, trucks were involved in 57.3% of all accidents on the N3 toll route, while heavy vehicles were involved in 53.1% of all accidents in 2021. This increase in truck accidents correlates with the steady growth in heavy vehicle traffic on the N3 toll route.
“Although the number of fatal heavy vehicle accidents decreased from 52.2% in 2021 to 45.1% in 2022, the severity of accidents involving trucks remains a major concern.”
Dhoogra asks motorists to comply with the traffic regulations at all times to reach their destinations safely.
“Motorists must adhere faithfully to the speed limits and keep a safe following distance, and also take regular breaks (about every 200 km) at roadside carports.”
Any problems on the N3 can be reported to the 24-hour helpline on 0800 63 4357. Also follow the N3 toll concession on Twitter (@N3Route) for the latest traffic information on this route.
