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The minister released preliminary 2020 holiday season road statistics from the Department of Transportation on Tuesday, saying there has been a decrease in road deaths in six provinces in the past 20 days.
ARCHIVE: Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula. Image: @FikileMbalula / Twitter
JOHANNESBURG – Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula said on Tuesday that work was underway to stop the carnage on the road for the rest of the holiday season.
Mbalula said they would be keeping watch during this season as they did during level 5 of the confinement.
“This includes enforcing the curfew for all road users. All of our traffic law enforcement officers must remain vigilant and step up efforts to stop the carnage on our roads, “he said.
“Our tactics will include visibility in residential areas and in proximity to places where the festivities occur to deter those who would otherwise be encouraged to drive under the influence of alcohol,” he added.
ALSO READ: 690 people have died on the roads of SA since December began – Mbalula
Mbalula released his department’s 2020 holiday season preliminary road statistics, saying there has been a decrease in traffic fatalities in six provinces in the past 20 days.
LIVE BEYOND DEZEMBA: A CALL TO ROAD SAFETY
We urge all road users to observe the rules of the road, the Covid-19 Regulation;
– Their vehicles must be able to circulate and rest when they are tired.
– Wear your mask in public transport!
Don’t speed up!
– Do not drink and drive!
#ViveBeyondDezemba pic.twitter.com/phQG5q3ZUmMinister of Transport | Mr Fix (@MbalulaFikile) December 22, 2020
“It is noteworthy that six provinces registered a decrease in deaths. The Northern Cape recorded a 23.5% decrease, with 13 deaths compared to 17 in 2019. The Western Cape recorded a 26.6% decrease, with 69 deaths compared to 94 in 2019, ”Mbalula said.
“The Free State recorded a 28.8% decrease, with 47 deaths compared to 66 in 2019. Gauteng recorded a 18.7% decrease, with 122 deaths compared to 150 in 2019. North West recorded a 5 , 8%, with 49 deaths compared to 52 in 2019. KwaZulu-Natal recorded a decrease of 3%, with 131 deaths compared to 135 in 2019. “
The three provinces that saw an increase in the number of deaths compared to the same period last year were Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
READ: ‘You will be arrested and not released’: Mbalula urges motorists to be responsible
The minister also announced that 690 people have died on the country’s roads since the beginning of December, a drop of 5% compared to last year.
“It is unfortunate that 690 people lost their lives on our roads during the period from December 1 to 20, 2020, compared to 732 during the same period in 2019. While this represents a 5.7% year-on-year decrease, it is not a reason to celebrate, ”said the minister.
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