Cape Town — The Department of Transport (DoT) issued a warning to all drivers to exercise caution when it comes to travelling during inclement weather.
In a statement, The Department said it has received reports from the South African Weather Services (SAWS) regarding inclement weather that is set to continue until Friday.
“As the festive season draws to an end, and due to the current inclement weather conditions, road users are urged to exercise extreme caution while travelling. Heavy rain, strong winds and reduced visibility are expected to persist throughout, creating hazardous driving conditions,’ Department spokesperson, Collen Msibi said.
The department said poor visibility was expected in Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) Limpopo and Mpimalanga and motorsist were urged not to drive between 6pm and 1am.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING INCLEMENT WEATHER AFFECTING
VISIBILITY ON THE ROADS@Dotransport has received weather reports from the @SAWeatherServic regarding the inclement weather conditions that will continue to affect the country’s roads until Friday the 10th Jan 2025. pic.twitter.com/8Y4VQ1N9bv— Department of Transport (@Dotransport) January 7, 2025
The folllowing roads to be affected by these conditions are as follows:
- Limpopo
- N1 and R101 from Limpopo to Gauteng.
- N11 from AllDay to Marble Hall.
- R33 from Lephalala via Marble Hall.
- R40 from Phalaborwa to Barberton.
- R534 from Thohoyandou to Makhado.
- R71 from Tzaneen to Polokwane.
- R81 from Giyani to Polokwane.
- Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal
- N4, N12, N11, N17, N3, R40 and R33.
Msibi said no warning has been issued for Thursday and Friday but Mpumalanga and Limpopo will be affected by thundershowers. The conditions would particularly affect the R573 Moloto Road from Marble Hall to Pretoria.
Msibi has urged motorists making their way back from holidays to switch on their headlights during the day and keep a safe following distance with the car in front.
“Reduce speed on slippery roads, do not cross bridges where there is water overflow, pedestrians must cross streets at marked intersections and wear bright clothing when walking in dark areas.”
The transport department stressed that the current road crashes and fatalities are of “great concern”, and urged motorists to take responsibility for their safety.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
