KZN's Easter road safety campaign

Health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo. Image KZN Health

Officials from the province, which attracts a large number of local and international travellers, launched the provincial leg of the 2014 Easter holiday road safety campaign in Clermont township, eThekwini.

Health MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo - who stood in for Transport, Community and Liaison MEC Willies Mchunu - led the People's March for Safety, which paraded from Clermont Rank to Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium.

The march was preceded by an awareness-raising motorcade through the township, which was used to encourage the community to prioritise road safety and root out criminal elements within the area.

"This launch symbolises the beginning of the department's intensified road safety programme during the Easter holiday and beyond. All enforcement agencies are on alert to deal with the high traffic volumes expected in the province and act decisively with those who are breaking the law," said Dhlomo.

He urged road users to observe road traffic rules, fasten their seat-belts, not drive under the influence of alcohol, ensure that vehicles are roadworthy and exercise patience on the road.

"We urge all public transport operators to ferry passengers safely to their destinations. It is pleasing to know that the taxi associations support these initiatives that are meant to save lives on the roads," said Dhlomo.

A total of 792 traffic officers will be deployed throughout the province and visible in high accident zones. The South African Police Service and customs, cross-border and immigration forces will form part of the broader law enforcement plan.