With more heavy rainfall predicted across the country, traffic authorities are warning motorists to exercise caution on the roads. Some holidamakers are already making their way back from the coast to inland areas ahead of the ushering in of the New Year on Friday.
Gauteng Traffic police say many roads are wet and slippery. They have urged motorists to drive with caution.
Some holiday makers are expected to travel to different destinations to usher in 2022.
Officials have urged motorists to exercise caution on the road as more rainfall has been forecast for most parts of the country.
Law enforcement visibility will increase on major routes ahead of New Year’s celebrations.
The N3 Toll Concession says there are no incidents disrupting the flow of traffic between Kwazulu-Natal and Gauteng despite an increase in traffic volumes.
Some holidaymakers are making their way back home from the coast to the inland after Christmas to usher in the New Year.
Operations Manager of the N3 Toll ConcessionThania Dhoogra, says, “Traffic is flowing south-bound towards Kwazulu-Natal, but some traffic is also being recorded travelling north-bound towards Gauteng. Ahead of the upcoming New Year, law enforcement is increasing efforts to ensure that motorists and vehicles are compliant. Motorists are urged to ensure that they adhere to all regulations. Never drive while intoxicated and never text and drive,” says Thania Dhoogra.
With heavy rainfall predicted across the country, traffic authorities are warning motorists to exercise caution on the roads.
“Motorists must adhere to the prescribed speed limit at all times. Pedestrians must cross the roads only when it is safe to do so. Motorists must maintain a safe following distance as some roads must be wet. Public transport operators such as buses and taxis are urged not to overload their vehicles,” Maremane added.
The South African Weather Services says more disruptive rainfall is expected across large parts of the country which may result in localised flooding. An 80% chance of rainfall has been predicted for parts of Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, the Free State, and the North West.
“And also there’s a warning for severe thunderstorms over the western-parts of the Eastern Cape Province and the extreme eastern parts of the Western Cape Province. This might cause some localised flooding, especially in low lying bridges and places that are closer to river banks,” Forecaster Kgolofelo Mahlangu.
Emergency Services officials say they are on high alert for any eventuality. They’ve urged parents and guardians, especially those living in low-lying areas and near rivers and streams to watch over children who might be tempted to go and swim in the overflowing river streams.
Johannesburg Emergency Services Spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi says they’ve seen an increase in the number of drowning incidents in Johannesburg.
“Most of our informal settlements are within the river streams. Areas like Stjwetla in Alexandra, alongside Jukskei River, Klipvalley river stream in Kliptown and also Kaalfontein in the area of Ivory Park and Midrand area. So young kids are most tempted to go and play in those areas and in the process drown in those areas,” says Robert Mulaudzi.
VIDEO: Johannesburg Emergency Services remain on high alert
