NTSIEPE MASOETSA
Random roadblocks will greet motorists who drive on Free State roads this festive season. Spokesperson for the department of police, roads and transport, Zolile Walaza, says a comprehensive road safety plan has been developed with the cooperation of law enforcement agencies, local municipalities, South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) and home affairs department. Walaza says the department will adopt a zero tolerance approach to violations of traffic laws and regulations.
“The plan also takes into consideration the fact that there will be this elective conference of the African National Congress (ANC), which will put more pressure on the traffic volumes that will otherwise be very high because of all the holiday makers and people going home for the festive season. So our plan basically is underpinned by high visibility of law enforcement agencies,” says Walaza.
He says both drivers and vehicles will be stopped and screened at random to ensure roadworthiness and eliminate driver fatigue. Drivers will also be screened for alcohol abuse and will be requested to produce valid licenses. Walaza declined to comment on which routes in the province are targeted for this operation.
Speed along provincial roads would be controlled through the use of cameras and highway patrols. The MEC for police, roads and transport, Butana Komphela, has urged all motorists to obey the rules of the roads. He has warned that law enforcement agencies will be on the lookout for criminals. He also advise drivers of public transport like taxis not to deviate from the allocated routes as their vehicles will be impounded. Motorists are also urged to ensure that their vehicles display correct registration plates.
