Traffic officers intervened to curb reckless driving at toll gates.
Misha Jordaan/Gallo Images
- More than 2 400 vehicles per hour were recorded on the N1 heading to Gauteng, with some motorists driving on the wrong side of the road near toll plazas due to congestion.
- Multiple crashes were reported on Monday, including a head-on collision on the N2 that killed three people and a minibus taxi overturning on the R568, resulting in one death and several injuries.
- The RTMC recorded a 39% increase in arrests for driving under the influence and a 31.6% rise in impounded vehicles.
Traffic congestion was a significant issue on major roads across the country on Monday, with more than 2 400 vehicles per hour recorded on the N1 heading to Gauteng.
According to Road Traffic Management Authority spokesperson Simon Zwane, the N1 recorded higher traffic volumes than other major roads.
On the southbound highway near the Kranskop toll plaza, some motorists resorted to driving on the wrong side of the road towards oncoming traffic.
Zwane attributed this reckless behaviour to the slow processing of vehicles at the tollgate. However, traffic officers quickly intervened to address the lawlessness.
“This only occurred near the tollgate and not along the entire stretch of the road,” Zwane said.
Traffic volumes recorded on major routes:
- N1: More than 2 400 vehicles per hour heading to Gauteng.
- N14: More than 1 700 vehicles per hour recorded.
- N3: More than 1 200 vehicles per hour recorded.
Zwane noted that while roads were heavily congested, traffic remained manageable on other routes.
Authorities expect the situation to persist until 20:00.
Zwane said during the Easter period, law enforcement officers intensified efforts to ensure road safety, leading to a significant increase in arrests and vehicle impoundments:
He reported that 934 motorists were arrested from Thursday to Saturday for driving under the influence of alcohol – a 39% increase compared to the same period last year.
About 1215 vehicles were impounded. Many vehicles were found transporting passengers without permits or in violation of permit conditions.
Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla highlighted the anticipated increase in traffic volumes on major arterial routes, including the N1, N3, and N12.
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Fihla urged motorists to prioritise safety, maintain safe following distances, and avoid aggressive driving.
“JMPD officers are actively managing traffic flow and enforcing the law. Road safety is a collective responsibility.”
Meanwhile, a head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a sedan on Monday morning resulted in three fatalities along the N2 between eMkhondo and Ermelo.
Five others sustained minor injuries. The N2 was temporarily closed, and investigations are ongoing.
In another incident, also on Monday morning, a minibus taxi overturned near the Kameelpoort Bridge along the R568 in Mpumalanga, killing one person.
Five occupants sustained serious injuries, while 10 others escaped with minor injuries. The taxi was travelling from Zebediela in Limpopo to Pretoria.
Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Jackie Macie reiterated the importance of road safety, urging motorists to rest sufficiently during long-distance travel to avoid fatigue.
“Drivers must obey traffic rules, avoid excessive speeding, and refrain from dangerous overtaking,” Macie advised.
