Over 1 million vehicles expected on SA’s main highways over Easter period - RTMC

JOHANNESBURG - The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) says more than a million vehicles are expected to be on the country's main highways from Thursday as holidaymakers travel to their destinations for the Easter holidays.

Traffic volumes are anticipated to spike to more than 1.2 million vehicles over the long weekend.

ALSO READ: Motorists urged to drive with caution as Easter weekend approaches

Authorities will be fanned out across the country to ensure that they clamp down on holidaymakers breaking road rules.

RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane said some of the busiest routes will be in Western Cape, Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga.

“N1 to Limpopo, N3 to KwaZulu-Natal, N2 in KwaZulu-Natal, N4 and N12 to Mpumalanga, N12 to Western Cape, N12 to Eastern Cape, and N14 to North West.”

The Easter holidays in 2023 saw 185 accidents, with 225 fatalities recorded. The majority of the road deaths were pedestrians.

Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service says motorists travelling to various holiday destinations can expect heavy downpours.

“We are expecting a 60% chance of showers and thundershowers in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, and the southern parts of North West today [Thursday],” said forecaster Tokelo Chiloane.

“However, Limpopo and some parts of Eastern Cape, and the eastern parts of Northern Cape for today [Thursday], we are expecting a 30% chance. This trend continues into the weekend.”