Traffic officers deployed over the festive season

By Tarryn Le Chat
19 December 2006

Despite heavy traffic following the closing last week of factories, building companiesand other large employers, officials report an encouragingly uneventful wekend on Western Cape roads.

"The death toll on the roads in the province since December 1 had risen to 51 by the 17th of December", said Makhaya Mani, spokesperson for the MEC of community safety.

A focus will be on the N1 and N2 highways leading into and out fo the province.

"We've been holding ocmpulsory stop-and-search point to determine whether drivers are complying with regulations. We're checking things such as brakes, tyres, lights and steering mechanisms", said Ntau Letebele, spokesperson for the department of transport.

Although figures were unavailable, officials at the N1 Huguenot Tunnel tollgate outside Paarl reported a huge increase in traffic.

The department of transport has advised drivers to stop regurlarly to rest and exercise which relieves fatigue, and improves blood circulation and the ability to concentrate.

Letebele said that 7 500 traffic officers, with help from the police, have been deplyed nationally to cope with the increase in traffic.