Mooi river: At least 800 National Road Traffic Law-Enforcement Officers, supported by various other law enforcement agencies, will be deployed throughout the festive season to monitor compliance with traffic regulations and maintain safety.
According to South African Government News Agency, Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa announced on Friday that the law enforcement operations, which began in November, have been intensified. This effort is part of a year-long campaign that will continue through the end of January. Hlengwa made these remarks during a law enforcement operation and festive season road safety activation at the Mooi River Toll Plaza on the N3. The campaign aims to educate the public on road safety, focusing on behavior change, enhanced law enforcement, and 24-hour patrols in high-risk areas.
The Department of Transport has identified priority routes, including N1, N2, N3, N4, N17, and notorious secondary roads such as the Moloto Road. ‘We are here on the N3, which will remain one of our primary focus areas throughout the festive season as part of the top 20 priority routes identified across the country,’ Hlengwa stated. He also addressed issues related to truck drivers, noting plans to engage with the Trucking Association to improve interactions and develop joint messaging.
The 365-day campaign is based on evidence showing that human error accounts for nine out of ten accidents. Operations will also target bridges and weigh-in-motion assessments to prevent overloading and ensure that trucks and public transport vehicles undergo necessary inspections. Hlengwa emphasized the importance of not drinking and driving, and addressed concerns about pedestrian fatalities and driver fatigue during long-distance travel.
Provincial operations have been established across provinces and municipalities to pool resources and maximize the impact of road safety measures. ‘We are working with civil society and the private sector as part of a joint national operation for road safety,’ Hlengwa added.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) reported 213 fatal crashes resulting in 249 fatalities in the first nine days of December, marking a 30% decline compared to the same period in 2024. Preliminary reports for the period ending 30 November 2025 show a reduction in crashes and fatalities compared to the prior year, with crashes at 8,613 and fatalities at 10,089, a 7.3% decrease from the previous year. – SAnews.gov.za