With a few days left until Christmas Day, Transport Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa and the Acting Premier of Gauteng, Lebogang Maile, are set to lead the National Department of Transport’s Festive Season Road Safety Campaign, where they will interact with motorists and road users.
Friday’s activation will take place at the Grasmere Toll Plaza, Johannesburg.
“The principals will be supported by a multi-disciplinary law enforcement operation. Deputy Minister Hlengwa and Acting Premier Maile, will interact with motorists and road users and will conduct vehicle fitness inspections,” the department said ahead of the day’s operations.
The Deputy Minister and Acting Premier will be joined by the Gauteng MEC for Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela to re-emphasise and spread the message of road safety and responsible road user behaviour during this time of year.
“Major routes leaving the Gauteng and other provinces are predicted to have high traffic volumes and to be even busier with the festive season traveling having started,” said the department.
On Thursday, the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) - which is an entity of the Department of Transport - advised holidaymakers to arrive three hours before international flights and two hours before domestic flights, as they head to their various travel destinations.
At a media briefing with the Border Management Authority, ACSA CEO Mpumi Mpofu suggested alternative arrangements for the festive season, such as allowing more time for international travellers to arrive at the airport.
Mpofu stated that the busiest day is generally the first Friday after schools close, which was on 13 December 2024. ACSA also expects Friday, 20 December, to be the busiest day of the entire peak season. -SAnews.gov.za
