Johannesburg: Law enforcement authorities will be out in their numbers this Easter Weekend to ensure that motorists drive safely and comply with traffic regulations. Major corridors are expected to reach peak levels as travellers embark on various religious and holiday destinations, from Friday, 18 April to Monday, 21 April 2025.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Department of Transport has identified the most critical routes across the country requiring additional resources and more focused monitoring over this period. These include major roads such as the N4 Nelspruit, Mankweng (R71), Libode on the N2, and Mthatha’s R61, among others. Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy emphasized the importance of driver and pedestrian responsibility, noting that human behavior accounts for 87% of road accidents and fatalities in the country.
The National Traffic Police, South African Police Services provincial traffic departments, Cross Border Road Traffic Agency, Border Management Agency, the Metros, and local authorities will collaborate to patrol key routes leading to Limpopo, KwaZulu Natal, Mpumalanga, Free State, Eastern Cape, and the Western Cape. High visibility will also be maintained in Gauteng to ensure the safety of road users.
The government’s 2025 Easter Season Road Safety Arrive Alive campaign, launched last month, aims to reduce road fatalities during the high-traffic holiday period through integrated law enforcement and public education. The campaign, which started on 20 March and will run until 2 May 2025, is themed: ‘It begins with Me,’ emphasizing individual responsibility in ensuring road safety.