The KwaZulu-Natal government has urged road users to observe the rules of the road to avoid crashes. KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala kicked off October Transport Month at a road block on the N2 highway near the old airport. Picture: Supplied
DURBAN - THE KwaZulu-Natal government has urged road users to observe the rules of the road to avoid crashes.
This came as the province launched the October Transport Month campaign yesterday.
The launch was led by KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala, who was joined by KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni, and eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda.
The delegation first assembled at a multi-disciplinary roadblock on the N2 at the old airport where a number of vehicles were stopped.
Speaking during the launch, Nkonyeni said this was one of many roadblocks that would be set up across the province this month.
She said the department had several activities lined up for the month of October to enforce road laws.
“There are a number of people who are not following the rules of the road. There were a number of people arrested this (yesterday) morning for breaking the rules of the road, and also a number of vehicles were impounded,” said Nkonyeni.
According to Nkonyeni, Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula is expected to officially launch national Transport Month tomorrow.
Nkonyeni said the department had developed a comprehensive programme which incorporated a number of activities.
She said they would be working together with the SAPS, Road Traffic Inspectorate and private security companies.
Last month, in just over a week, more than 20 people died in two road accidents in the province.
A deadly crash claimed 13 lives on the R612 between Highflats and Ixopo. The majority of the victims were women, who were all travelling in a minibus taxi when it was involved in a collision with a tipper truck.
In the other incident, nine people lost their lives after a head-on collision on the N2 between the Canefields intersection and the Enseleni Nature Reserve.
“We don’t want to see these types of incidents again, and that is why we are really appealing to the conscience of our motorists to ensure they obey the rules and laws of the road. This will help to save lives on the roads,” said Nkonyeni.
Zikalala also officially opened the R105 million King Cetshwayo Highway/Essex Terrace Interchange infrastructure project situated in Westville.
Zikalala said the project was necessitated by existing and future developments in the area. These included the Westwood Shopping Centre, residential developments near the centre, student accommodation and the rezoning of residential properties for business use.
THE MERCURY
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