Holiday-makers return home

The exodus of holiday traffic from the east coast has begun.

In KwaZulu-Natal, traffic volumes have increased on the N3 from Durban towards Johannesburg, exceeding a thousand cars per hour.

Traffic spokesperson, Zinhle Mngomezulu says motorists are enjoying a safe getaway, with no accidents reported so far in the province.

Traffic officials have also warned that repeat drunken driving offenders could lose their licenses. They have expressed concern over the high number of people arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol during this festive season.

They have urged people to be extra careful on the roads.

Meanwhile traffic on major roads into Gauteng is gradually increasing, the Department of Transport said on Wednesday.

"This is a beginning of the increase [in traffic]," spokesperson Thandi Moya said.

Moya said traffic volumes are beginning to increase on the N1 from Limpopo to Pretoria, the roads from Mozambique to Gauteng and the N3 heading to Gauteng.

Arrive Alive spokesperson Tshepo Machaea said traffic was picking up but there were no major blockages across the country so far.

On December 31, the Department of Transport said fatalities on South Africa's roads were down compared with the same period last year.

The death toll on the country's roads was 1,142 from 930 accidents. Last year at the same time, the fatalities were 1,440.

This is despite an increase in traffic volumes compared to last year during the same period.
Additional reporting by Sapa.