Archive photo simply for illustration of the traffic police. (Photo: Siyabulela Duda/GCIS)
Easter weekend spells for many people a time of rest and relaxation. However, this also means that the country’s roads will be significantly busier as people travel to other destinations.
However, several provincial departments and national parks have indicated that they are equipped to handle heavy traffic and an influx of visitors. Motorists can also expect a lot more traffic police on the country’s roads.
Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park indicated on Wednesday that most of its camps are already fully booked, and that they have measures ready to handle an increased number of visitors to the park.
“We already have plans ready to monitor traffic for the safety of our visitors and the animals.
“From experience, we have seen that people often disregard the speed limit – especially in the morning or late afternoon to reach the exit gates before closing time,” said Oscar Mthimkhulu, executive director of the Kruger National Park.
The park will reportedly employ more traffic police and staff to ensure that road users and visitors obey general rules – in the park, as well as in the surrounding area.
Day visitors are further advised to book in advance as the park will place a restriction on day visitors over the Easter weekend.
The game garden also says that some of its dirt roads in the south of the park are still closed after large-scale flooding in February.
“Repairs continue on the main road between Skukuza and Onder-Sabie, which was badly damaged earlier in the year [deur oorstromings] is damaged.
“Visitors are requested not to remove any warning signs.”
Increased visibility along R71
The MEC for transport and community safety in Limpopo, Florence Radzilani, launched Operation Paseka on the R71 road near Marobathota High School on Wednesday as part of the province’s initiative to promote road safety and curb crime. The plan will be carried out in collaboration with, among others, the provincial traffic police and the community policing forum.
This includes roadblocks during which vehicles will be pulled over and searched.
More traffic is expected especially on this road with people gathering for religious gatherings.
Many visitors are also expected at the various tourism destinations in the province.
“We have a very big responsibility to teach our people to love their own country and do what is right. It brings joy to my heart to hear that a perpetrator has been arrested, because it means police officers are doing their job,” said Radzilani.
Stronger monitoring at Lebombo border
An operational plan for stricter regulation at the Lebombo border in Mpumalanga will also be rolled out over the Easter weekend.
Dr. Mike Masiapato, Commissioner of the Border Control Authority, is expected to visit the border post on Thursday to discuss the plan with the relevant players.
Cape Town puts its shoulder to the wheel
The City of Cape Town says all its resources have been deployed to introduce heightened security measures over the next few days.
JP Smith, Cape Town’s mayoral committee member for safety, says it is obviously also important that people use their own judgment and stay on the right side of the law. Nevertheless, there will be cooperation in all areas between law enforcement authorities and various rescue organizations.
“However, many of our challenges are directly linked to people’s behaviour. If we all do what we have to, including obeying the rules of the road, being courteous, using alcohol responsibly and not doing anything to put other people’s lives at risk, it could be one of the best Easter weekends yet in terms of safety,” said Smith said.
Smith also reminds the public to be prepared and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities. The more complete the information provided, the better the situation can be handled.
High police visibility will be on roads in and around the metro over the weekend, particularly on busy travel days. Long-haul operators can also have free safety inspections carried out on their vehicles until the end of the day on Thursday as part of Operation Exodus.
According to Smith, 295 minibuses, medium-sized buses and minibus taxis have already undergone inspections as part of this operation.
The police, traffic police, neighborhood watches and other security agencies will also carry out patrols on beaches and in other busy areas – also at crime hotspots.
Gautengers urged to drive safely
In Gauteng, motorists are encouraged to drive extremely carefully and obey road rules.
According to the province’s security committee, more traffic police will also be deployed at strategic locations in the province.
