Cape Town - The Department of Transport and Public Works in the Western Cape says it is ready to deal with high traffic volumes expected as the Easter holidays approach.
The traffic department in the province appeared before the transport committee in the Western Cape legislature on Wednesday to brief the committee about its readiness for Easter holidays.
The Chief Director for Traffic Management in the Western Cape, Kenny Africa, said the Easter season operational period started on 15 March and will end on 30 June.
He said the department has increased visible traffic policing activities, including road blocks, on key routes.
Africa also said special focus would be on passenger and pedestrian safety.
According to the department, key dates included Human Rights Day on 21 March and school closure on 31 March 2017.
The department also expected an increase in traffic volumes, pedestrians, commuters and learner transport for school excursions.
“Routes or locations where traffic volumes are expected to increase dramatically are the N1 ...between Western and Eastern Cape, N2 – holiday destinations and Eastern or Western Cape, R27 – Holiday destinations and Day Campers, N7 – Holiday destinations and Public Transport, R300 – Traveling between main arterials and Coastal towns, R61 – Public transport operations to and from Eastern Cape,” said Africa.
The department also said it would target religious and social activities, including the departure and return of ZCC congregants on national routes; district religious gathering; the Two Oceans marathon in Cape Town; Epic Cycle tour in Overstrand; drag racing events in various routes as well as the Klein Karroo Nasionale Kunstefees KKNK in Oudtshoorn.
The operational activities will include vehicle checkpoints (driver and vehicle documentation), speed operations and moving violations, seat belts (child restraints).
“Operation focus would be on public transport vehicles, pedestrian safety. Passenger overload control management. Trailer overload and fitness enforcement and trade union events,” he said.
Africa also said the department is planning to introduce a device which would allow traffic officers to verify the validity of driver’s licences.
The department said it will also fill 81 vacant posts in the province to increase the number of traffic officers on the road to reduce accidents on the province’s roads.
Some of the challenges the department faces include high traffic volumes, early winter rains, road closures due to natural disasters, pedestrians and cyclist visibility. “However, the department promises 24/7 operational deployment and visible traffic policing,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za-TLM
