MEDIA STATEMENT

TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT TO BE STEPPED UP

KwaZulu-Natal motorists should behave themselves on the provinces’ roads or face tough action as the KZN Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) steps up its law enforcement iniatives over the next few days.

This follows a recent trend which has emerged indicating that each month-end weekend, which is associated with traditional payday activities, brings about an increase in traffic volumes and a regrettable increase in road deaths as well as associated injuries.

Currently, there is an unacceptable sharp increase in road accident related deaths and injuries in the province. In view of the high number of road crashes, deaths and injuries we have decided to treat this as an emergency. Accordingly, we have directed that all RTI staff, including staff from the Traffic Training College as well as the Public Transport Enforcement Unit (PTEU), perform additional overtime duties over the next few days in an attempt to curb the number of road crashes. Offences to be targeted include drinking and driving, speed and unroadworthy vehicles.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Safety and Security Mr. Bheki Cele has warned motorists that no mercy will be shown to those who disregard road rules. "Over the past month we have lost several innocent lives on our roads, especially those of young children and we will not allow this situation to continue. We have tried to educate road users through various mediums but it seems that our education efforts are simply falling on deaf ears. We are therefore left with no option but to step up our enforcement exercises and to ensure that those who wish to continue disregarding road rules are dealt with in an appropriate manner," Cele said.

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