MEC Diale-Tlabela appeals to motorists to abide by the rules of the road
Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has appealed to road users to abide by the rules of the road and regulations to reduce road carnages during this period.
The MEC warned that those who continue to break the road rules with impunity should receive the harshest punishment as they put innocent lives at risk.
Diale-Tlabela was speaking on the sidelines of the departmental festive season road safety campaign that took place along the N1, north of Tshwane.
“Yesterday we witnessed a terrible road crash on the N14 where lives were lost and scores injured as a result of alleged disregard for compliance with the load restrictions and set speed limits. We would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the families deceased and wish those injured a speedy recovery. One death is one too many and we cannot stress enough the importance of exercising extreme caution on the roads.
“Of deep concern is the continued increasing number of vehicles stopped for overloading and speeding. The combination of these two factors is extremely dangerous as they not only put the lives of the drivers and passengers at risk but also poses a serious risk to other motorists. We are appealing to all road users to respect the rules of the road as well as the rights and lives of others, the MEC appealed.
The MEC further raised concern about some of the human factors contributing to the road carnages.
“The number of road incidents already reported on our province’s roads since the beginning of the month is deeply concerning. Driver behaviour such as distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving coupled with unroadworthy, and overloaded vehicles are amongst some of the highest contributors to the road accidents and crashes.
“We are confident that our interventions and intensified law enforcement operations during this period will lead to a huge reduction in the number of crashes and accidents. Reckless drivers will be dealt with as we have adopted zero tolerance approach towards lawlessness on our roads,” the MEC warned.
As part of efforts towards improving road safety, the MEC embarked on a road maintenance programme in Hammanskraal where the departmental teams fixed potholes and road signage.
“We are also cognisant of the role that poorly maintained roads play towards road safety and the impact on the economic activities in our province. It is for this reason that we have embarked on both road maintenance and law enforcement operations to ensure that our roads do not pose a hazard to motorists.
“This is a joint programme that we will be undertaking throughout this term working together with other departments, municipalities as well as law enforcement agencies amongst others. We are therefore calling on all the people of our province to work together with us as we build the Gauteng we want to work and live in,” the MEC concluded.
For more information, please contact Ms Melitah Madiba on 073 644 9935 or Mr Lesiba Mpya on 078 314 7987.
E-mail: pressoffice.gpdrt@gauteng.gov.za
