Phiwokuhle Mothemela
Traffic on the M4 freeway in Gqeberha moved at a snail's pace on Friday morning, as the executive mayor, Babalwa Lobishe and the MECs for Transport and Economic Development and Environmental Affairs, led a roadblock to mark the start of the safer festive season campaign.
The Eastern Cape Liquor Board was also present at the roadblock where authorities checked motorists' licenses and registration details, while also testing for any drunk drivers.
Transport MEC, Xolile Nqatha, warned motorists that lawlessness will not be tolerated during this festive season.
"Just yesterday (Thursday) we were arrested for drunk driving, and that speaks to the precedent that we are setting."
He said that by arresting those people, lives would have been saved.
Nqatha also said that the 127 new law enforcement officers, who graduated on Friday after completing their training, will hit the ground running.
"We will not be negotiating the law with anyone but rather enforcing it," he added.
When quizzed on the accident hotspots motorists should look out for, Nqatha listed Aberdeen, Kei Bridge, R61, and N10 among the notorious accident spots.
Speaking on safety in the Metro, executive mayor Lobishe said there would be frequent roadblocks in fulfilment of a promise to residents of a safe festive season.
"Some of the interventions that we have put in place include the activation of the speeding cameras and the metal detectors that will be used at roadblocks to detect firearms."
Lobishe said in the coming weeks, the focus will shift to tavern operations and intensifying roadblocks in township areas.
"These efforts aim to ensure motorists comply with law enforcement and to deliver a safer summer season. We want everyone visiting our city to know that we will be present at every corner, and we are thrilled to welcome tourists to enjoy all parts of the Metro.”
The MEC for Economic Development and Environmental Affairs, Nonkqubela Pieters, said; “We want our tourists to arrive home safely. If we avoid fatalities, tourists will return to the Eastern Cape. We urge all residents to drink responsibly this festive season.”
