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Traffic volumes increase ahead of Christmas weekend

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The N1 and the Beitbridge border post between South Africa and Zimbabwe in Limpopo have started experiencing high traffic volumes.

Heavily loaded vehicles and towing trailers could be seen travelling towards the border. Traffic police have been deployed at all identified strategic intersections.

Limpopo’s Transport MEC Makoma Makhurupetje has advised motorists to drive carefully.

“Traffic is expected to increase during the day and over the weekend. Traffic officers have been deployed on a 24 hour basis. Customs and immigration officers have been added at the border. The number of Zimbabweans going home is also expected to increase following last month’s political leadership reforms in Harare which saw the demise of Robert Mugabe who ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years. One of the major challenges on the N1 is over speeding and over loading.”

Transport Minister Joe Maswanganyi is expected to be part of roadblock operations along the N1 during the day.

Meanwhile, more than 1500 vehicles an hour have been recorded leaving Gauteng on Friday morning, ahead of the Christmas Day weekend. The road traffic management corporation (RTMC) says traffic officials will be out in their numbers and will be decisively dealing with any traffic offenders. Motorists have also been advised to drive with caution and keep a safe travelling distance as they make their way to their various holiday destinations across the country.

RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane says, “We are urging motorists to drive with caution. There’s rain predicted in some areas so put on those lights so you are visible, increase following distance, and avoid speed. We hope people have had enough sleep as they embark on their trips and they must plan stops. There are traffic officers on all the major routes.”

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