Road users urged to be vigilant

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Pretoria - As the festive season approaches, government is appealing to all road users, including pedestrians, to be vigilant and exercise caution on the roads. 

Road safety continues to be an issue of concern to government as many lives are continuously lost as a result of road accidents.

The recently reported tragic accident on the R18 near Vereeniging, where 19 people died, is just one very unfortunate example. 

Acting Cabinet spokesperson Phumla Williams said the country cannot afford more deaths caused by road accidents.

“As we approach the festive season, traffic law enforcement agencies will embark on a law enforcement programme to strive to reduce the carnage on our roads during this period.”

As the number of cars on the roads increase, the demand for more traffic law enforcement officers is also increasing. This is why the Department of Transport opened the Mpumalanga Traffic Training College in Marite, among other infrastructure interventions. 

“This, as well as the opening of the R71 road in Moria, is one of the activities government embarked on during Transport Month. The R71 road was upgraded last year at a cost of R140 million,” said Williams. – SAnews.gov.za