With the Easter holiday period historically associated with a spike in fatal road accidents, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says authorities are stepping up safety measures to reduce risks on the country’s roads.
Creecy confirmed that law enforcement agencies will closely monitor high-risk traffic zones, with a particular focus on protecting pedestrians.
Officials will encourage the use of pedestrian bridges and increase patrols in informal settlements located near major highways, especially in areas where taverns operate close to busy roads.
“We want to discourage pedestrians, particularly those who may be intoxicated, from attempting to cross highways,” Creecy said.
In a first for the department, traffic warden students will also be deployed to assist with road safety operations during the holiday period.
Authorities will also clamp down on unroadworthy vehicles, which are considered a major contributing factor to road accidents.
“If a vehicle’s brakes are faulty or tyres are worn out, the likelihood of an accident increases significantly, particularly at high speeds,” Creecy warned.
Motorists and pedestrians have been urged to exercise caution and adhere to road safety regulations to help reduce fatalities over the busy Easter travel period.