The Minister of Transport, Dr. Blade Nzimande, will join the Easter Road Safety Law Enforcement Activation on the N1 North, outside Petroport, about 30 km from the Pretoria CBD, on the 18th April 2019.
This activation is part of the Easter road safety campaign aimed at increasing driver awareness and reducing road crashes during and post the Easter weekend.
All road users are urged to be circumspect when using the roads during this period.
Law enforcement authorities and Emergency services have been placed on high alert to enforce the law.
“As the Department of Transport, we have compiled our expected peak times scenarios to allow motorists travelling over the Easter weekend to stagger their journeys to avoid the worst of the traffic, said Minister Nzimande.
“Motorists can expect an increase in traffic on the main routes from Gauteng such as the N1, N3 and N4, with thousands of pilgrims and holidaymakers traveling to church gatherings and holiday destinations,” said Minister Nzimande.
The Minister said that thousands more vehicles are expected along the N1 route, particularly the N1 north to Polokwane in Limpopo for the annual Zion Christian Church Easter festival.
“Between 2,400 and 2,800 vehicles an hour, are expected to pass through major toll plazas during the peak periods,” said Minister Nzimande.
Road users are encouraged to plan their journeys to avoid travelling during peak periods,” emphasized Minster Nzimande.
The 2019 road safety campaign will mainly focus on driving under the influence of alcohol as one of the leading causes of road crashes and fatalities. This follows the Minister’s official launch of the Evidential Breathalyser Alcohol Test (EBAT).
Law enforcement officers will also pay attention to other moving violations such as speeding, distracted driving and reckless and negligent driving.
Members of the media are invited to join the Minister during this road safety activation.
The Activation will take place as follows:
Date: Tomorrow, Thursday, 18th April 2019
Time: 10:00am – 11:00 am
Venue: N1 North bound, Rest Stop, past Petroport, (30 KM from Pretoria CBD).
On the N1 North bound peak periods are expected as follows:
N1 northbound & N4 westbound: Thursday
April 18 between noon and 9pm/Friday April 19 between 6am and noon.
N1 southbound & N4 eastbound: Monday
April 22 between noon and 9pm.
Media houses attending the activation are requested to confirm with Tshegofatso Maake on 063 281 9453 / maaket@dot.gov.za