Limpopo intensifies efforts against overloaded vehicles amid festive travel surge! As South Africans gear up for festive season travel, the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has ramped up efforts to combat overloaded vehicles on the province’s busy roads.
With an influx of vehicles heading to various destinations, authorities are particularly focused on public transport vehicles and light delivery vehicles towing heavily loaded trailers, commonly referred to as “malaisha.”
Targeting High-Risk Vehicles
Provincial spokesperson Tidimalo Chuene emphasized that overloaded vehicles pose a significant risk to road safety.
“These vehicles are mostly found on the N1 road, stretching from Pienaarsrivier in the Waterberg District to the Beitbridge border post in Musina, Vhembe District. Overloaded vehicles are a major threat to road safety. They are more likely to have tyre bursts and brake failures, which can cause serious accidents,” said Chuene.
The risks associated with overloading extend beyond mechanical failures. Overloaded vehicles experience compromised stability, reduced handling, and diminished stopping power, endangering not only the driver and passengers but also other road users.
Traffic Control Centres in Action
To mitigate these dangers, the department is utilizing seven strategically located traffic control centres across Limpopo. These centres are actively monitoring and screening vehicle loads, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
The centres are located in:
- Mantsole, Zebediela, and Groblersbrug (Waterberg District)
- Polokwane (Capricorn District)
- Musina at Beitbridge (Vhembe District)
- Mooketsi (Mopani District)
- Rathoke (Sekhukhune District)
“These centres serve as crucial checkpoints to screen vehicles for overloading and to ensure road safety during the holiday season,” Chuene explained.
Enforcement and Compliance Efforts
Since the beginning of December, authorities have screened and charged 1,449 vehicles for overloading passengers and goods. Overloaded vehicles are directed to adjust their loads at the traffic control centres before they are allowed to continue their journeys.
Chuene reiterated the importance of compliance, stressing that these measures are not punitive but aimed at preventing accidents and saving lives.
“Vehicles found with excessive loads are directed to adjust their loads at the traffic control centre before proceeding with their journeys,” she said.
Promoting Road Safety Through Awareness
The department is also focusing on raising awareness among transport operators and motorists about the dangers of overloading. Chuene urged all road users to prioritize safety and adhere to regulations.
“We continue to urge all transport operators and motorists to exercise extreme caution and responsibility on our roads. Refraining from overloading passengers and goods is crucial. By adhering to loading regulations and driving responsibly, we can all contribute to safer roads,” she said.
This message underscores the department’s commitment to fostering a culture of road safety and reducing fatalities during the festive season.
A Collective Responsibility
The festive season is typically marked by a surge in road travel as families reunite and holidaymakers explore different parts of the country. However, this increase in traffic often comes with a heightened risk of accidents.
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety’s efforts to combat overloading highlight the importance of proactive measures to ensure that roads remain safe for everyone.
Chuene’s call to action is clear: road safety is a shared responsibility, and every driver has a role to play in achieving the ultimate goal of reducing road deaths.
“Together, let’s work towards achieving our ultimate goal: every day without a road death,” she concluded.
Looking Ahead
As the festive season progresses, the department’s continued vigilance and enforcement efforts will be critical in maintaining road safety. The collaboration between traffic authorities, transport operators, and the public will be key to ensuring that the holidays remain a time of joy and not tragedy.
By adhering to regulations, reporting unsafe practices, and prioritizing safety, road users can contribute to a safer festive season for all.
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