By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) has experienced a significant increase in traffic volumes, since early Friday morning with nearly 1800 vehicles per hour heading southbound towards KwaZulu-Natal.
Holidaymakers began their trips as early as 4 am, when traffic volumes were already at 1,500 per hour.
“Traffic volumes are also beginning to increase in the northbound direction towards Gauteng.
“All roads are open to traffic and there are currently no incidents reported along the route between Cedara and Heidelberg, “said the N3 Toll Concession’s operations manager Thania Dhoogra.
Motorists have been warned to keep a safe following distance and to switch on their headlights on amid light drizzle and misty conditions along the route.
“We recommend that you carefully plan your road trip before your departure and keep informed of road and traffic conditions while en route. This way you will be better prepared for any eventuality, including possible emergencies and delays.”
Road safety is a shared responsibility and committed efforts are required by all drivers to adhere to the rules of the road, she said.
Meanwhile Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga led the festive season road safety awareness campaign at the Sanral Mariannhill Toll Plaza on the N3 in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday.
The festive season road safety awareness campaign is a government programme that aims to prioritise and promote safer road usage during the high peak season on South African roads.
The objective of the campaign is not only to ensure smooth flows of traffic but also to prevent negligent and reckless driving that results in road crashes, injuries and fatalities.
The road safety campaign was launched in the last week of November and is a collaboration between different levels of government, transport entities led by CEOs, private sector organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and key stakeholders and role players.