Eastern Cape Transport warns of danger as long weekends approach

The Eastern Cape Department of Transport has urged motorists and pedestrians to be extra cautious on the roads as traffic volumes are expected to surge ahead of two consecutive long weekends.

The warning comes as South Africans prepare for the upcoming public holidays, with Freedom Day falling on Monday and Workers’ Day on Friday next week. The back-to-back breaks are expected to trigger a spike in travel across the province.

Rising road deaths remain a concern

The Department says it remains deeply concerned about the continued loss of life on Eastern Cape roads, with both motorists and pedestrians heavily affected in fatal crashes.

Pedestrian fatalities and an increase in hit-and-run incidents have been flagged as particularly worrying trends.

Officials say lessons from the recent Easter period have highlighted another troubling pattern — a number of deadly crashes are happening on minor roads, not just major highways.

One of the most serious incidents occurred on the M17 near Motherwell in Gqeberha, where seven people lost their lives in a collision.

Enforcement to be intensified

In response, the Department says it will intensify and reassess its law enforcement operations, especially in inner towns, townships and local roads where compliance has been a challenge.

Law enforcement officers will be deployed across the province, targeting both major routes linking economic hubs and smaller roads in communities.

Key focus areas will include:

• Drunk driving
• Reckless driving behaviour
• Pedestrian safety

MEC calls for shared responsibility

Eastern Cape MEC for Transport, Xolile Nqatha, warned that the increased traffic volumes significantly raise the risk of accidents.

He said the recent loss of life, including crashes on smaller roads, highlights the need for collective responsibility among all road users.

Motorists have been urged to remain vigilant and drive responsibly at all times, while pedestrians are also being called on to prioritise their safety.

Public urged to stay alert

The Department is appealing to all road users to obey the rules of the road, avoid drinking and driving, and stay alert, particularly in areas with high pedestrian activity.

With traffic expected to rise across both urban and rural routes, authorities say safety will depend not only on enforcement, but on responsible behaviour from everyone using the roads.