KwaZulu-Natal traffic police have arrested more than 80 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol in various parts of the province since the start of the festive season.

A further eight suspects were arrested for speeding.

With just a few days to go before the end of 2024, provincial authorities say they will intensify roadblocks, focusing on drinking and driving as well as speed.

The N3 Toll Concession has reported over 1 000 vehicles per hour going toward Gauteng and just over 900 towards Durban at Mooi Plaza since Sunday morning.

Motorists have been urged to prepare for possible traffic congestion and delays due to the major road works on sections of the N3.

Festive season operations

Meanwhile, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department says it will continue with its targeted operations across the City this festive period.

The roadblocks will involve the stop and searches of vehicles and occupants to check for illicit substances and dangerous weapons. But also to check for driver and vehicle fitness.

Joburg Metro Police spokesperson Xolani Fihla says during Sunday’s roadblock along Chris Hani Road in Soweto, they managed to issue a number of traffic fines for various offences including driving without a valid driver’s licence.

“Road safety is of utmost importance: adhere to all the rules of the road; don’t drive under the influence of alcohol; avoid reckless and negligent driving and excessive speeding as well. Distractive driving is also a problem where people text or talk on their cellphones whilst driving – avoid that. The weather conditions within the festive season do change abruptly. So if it does rain reduce your vehicle speed, maintain a safe following distance and switch your vehicle lights on. And if you encounter excessive flooding avoid that route and use alternative routes.”

Soweto | Safety festive season campaign in full swing

He says officers will be deployed to freeways where there are incidents of spiking.

“We have deployed on the freeways. that is the m1, the n3 and the N1 as well. We know there have been reports of spiking on the freeways, especially on the n1 north between NASREC and Maraisburg. Officers have been deployed to that area to deter any criminal activities happening there.”