Motorists travelling over the Christmas and New Year period can expect to see more roadblocks and stricter enforcement as authorities ramp up efforts to curb road deaths during the festive season.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said the crackdown follows a grim toll of more than 10 000 road fatalities recorded in 2024, with most fatal crashes occurring late at night or in the early hours of the morning, particularly over weekends.
As a result, traffic policing will be intensified on a 24-hour basis on high-risk routes across the country.
What you may be stopped for at roadblocks
So why are motorists being stopped?
Well, according to BusinessTech, law enforcement officers will be focusing on speeding, drunk driving and the roadworthiness of vehicles.
Random roadblocks will be used to check drivers’ licences, vehicle documentation and alcohol levels, while patrols will be increased along major travel routes.
Vehicle inspections will also be stricter than in previous years. Any vehicle found with three or more critical defects will be immediately impounded. These include leaking engine oil, faulty brakes, defective lights, worn tyres, cracked windscreens and expired licences.
Authorities will also increase deployments at major border posts as cross-border traffic picks up during the holiday period.
Creecy said national, provincial and municipal traffic authorities, together with the Road Traffic Management Corporation, are working closely to ensure consistent and tough enforcement throughout the festive season.
Provincial governments and metros have rolled out their own plans. The City of Johannesburg said it aims to ensure a safe, orderly and enjoyable festive season for residents and visitors.
In the Western Cape, more than 600 provincial traffic officers and over 300 patrol vehicles have been deployed.
High-visibility patrols, 24-hour staffing, mobile vehicle testing units and alcohol enforcement operations will target high-risk areas.
Authorities will pay special attention to long-distance routes such as the N1, N2 and N7, with a focus on reducing speeding, distracted driving, reckless behaviour and driver fatigue.
Motorists are urged to plan their trips carefully, ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and obey traffic laws to avoid fines, impoundments or worse during the busy holiday period.
