Closure of schools and long weekends are usually characterised by increased volume of traffic as holiday makers go to various destinations and therefore Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe pleads with motorists to prioritise their safety and should care for other road users.
The MEC has called on increased vigilance on the part of motorists and that they must also obey road rules and regulations. He added that law enforcement agencies will be deployed in all major roads in order to ensure that those who break the law are dealt with.
He added that it is necessary that motorists work hand in hand with the officers to ensure that our roads remain safe as this is about saving lives on the roads.
Shongwe said that no mercy would be shown to speedsters, those who drive vehicles which are not roadworthy, excessively overloaded and those who will be found driving under the influence of alcohol.
Meanwhile, Mpumalanga traffic officers have impounded at least 251 vehicles between 9 and 15 September during normal day to day operations. The vehicles were impounded because of overloading excessively, pulling trailers that were not roadworthy, among others.
The operation also saw about 249 drivers issued with notices to discontinue their vehicles from being on the public roads due to mechanical failures that among others included faulty brakes, malfunctioning lights and invalid roadworthy certificates. The discontinued and impounded vehicles included buses, mini buses, light motor vehicles and light delivery vehicles (LDVs).
A total of 6279 fines were also issued to motorists for various offences such as failure to wear seatbelt and excessive speed. Five motorists were also arrested for violations that include drunken driving, reckless and negligent driving and overloading.
MEC Vusi Shongwe applauded the traffic officers for their hard work and dedication. He requested them to work harder in order to drastically reduce road crashes in the province.
“Motorists should remain cautious and obey road rules to avoid finding themselves on the wrong side of the law and at times causing unnecessary crashes”. Shongwe added that the removal of unroadworthy vehicles is very critical in the fight against road deaths and injuries; therefore he is calling on motorists to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy at all times.
He further said that law enforcement agencies should not spare any mercy on unfit drivers and vehicles so that unnecessary accidents could be curbed.
Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
Tel: 013 766 4055
Cell: 082 678 1450
